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FISHESHISTORY
ANATOMY
MAJOR FISH FAMILIES
AQUARIUM AND FISH PONDS
FEEDINGREPRODUCTION
CHARACTERISTICS
HISTORY
Ordovarian Period (425-500 million years ago)OSTRACODERMS
Slow bottom-dwelling animals Covered with thick bony plates and scales Had very poorly developed fins and didnrsquot
have jaws Believed to be the first animal with backbone
Extinct about 250 million years ago
2 Groups of Fishes with movable jaws
PLACODERMS ACANTHODIANS
Appeared about 395 million years ago
Had thick bony plates and paired fins
Their upper jaw was fused to the skull while the lower jaw was hinged and movable
Extinct about 345 million years ago
Class Chondrichthyes evolved
Appeared about 410 million years ago
Distinguished by the bony spines projecting in front their fins and by minute diamond-shaped scales
Class Osteichthyes evolved
GENERAL CHARACTERICTICS Fish are cold-blooded vertebrates that
breathe with gills and move with the aid of fins
They have the most numerous vertebrates with more than 30 000 species
All fish must maintain proper levels of salt and water in their bodies through osmosisFreshwater fishes Body salts are higher in
concentration than surrounding waterSaltwater fishes Surrounding water has higher
concentration than their bodies
Most fish are able to react to changes in water pressure temperature currents and sounds
Fish have taste buds in their mouth on their lips and on their body and fins Some are on their barbels (whisker-like projections around their mouth)
Has highly developed sense of smell
Philippine island goby (Pandaka pygmea)The smallest fish
Only 13 or frac12 inch long
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)The largest fish
Average size is 25 feet long
Grows about 50 feet and weigh up to 15 tons
EXTERNAL ANATOMY
EYE
MOUTH
OPERCULUM (GILL COVER)
PECTORAL FIN
ANAL FIN
PELVIC FIN
LATERAL LINE
SOFT DORSAL FIN
CAUDALTAIL FIN
SPINY DORSAL FIN
SCALES
VENT
NOSTRILS
PENDUCLE
ScalesThin bony plates that overlap each other and
provide protectionDevelop from and are embedded in a pocket of
the dermisThe exposed part is covered with a thin layer of
epidermis
Four types of scales1 Ctenoid
2 Cycloid
3 Gamoid
4 Placoid
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
2 Groups of Fishes with movable jaws
PLACODERMS ACANTHODIANS
Appeared about 395 million years ago
Had thick bony plates and paired fins
Their upper jaw was fused to the skull while the lower jaw was hinged and movable
Extinct about 345 million years ago
Class Chondrichthyes evolved
Appeared about 410 million years ago
Distinguished by the bony spines projecting in front their fins and by minute diamond-shaped scales
Class Osteichthyes evolved
GENERAL CHARACTERICTICS Fish are cold-blooded vertebrates that
breathe with gills and move with the aid of fins
They have the most numerous vertebrates with more than 30 000 species
All fish must maintain proper levels of salt and water in their bodies through osmosisFreshwater fishes Body salts are higher in
concentration than surrounding waterSaltwater fishes Surrounding water has higher
concentration than their bodies
Most fish are able to react to changes in water pressure temperature currents and sounds
Fish have taste buds in their mouth on their lips and on their body and fins Some are on their barbels (whisker-like projections around their mouth)
Has highly developed sense of smell
Philippine island goby (Pandaka pygmea)The smallest fish
Only 13 or frac12 inch long
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)The largest fish
Average size is 25 feet long
Grows about 50 feet and weigh up to 15 tons
EXTERNAL ANATOMY
EYE
MOUTH
OPERCULUM (GILL COVER)
PECTORAL FIN
ANAL FIN
PELVIC FIN
LATERAL LINE
SOFT DORSAL FIN
CAUDALTAIL FIN
SPINY DORSAL FIN
SCALES
VENT
NOSTRILS
PENDUCLE
ScalesThin bony plates that overlap each other and
provide protectionDevelop from and are embedded in a pocket of
the dermisThe exposed part is covered with a thin layer of
epidermis
Four types of scales1 Ctenoid
2 Cycloid
3 Gamoid
4 Placoid
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
GENERAL CHARACTERICTICS Fish are cold-blooded vertebrates that
breathe with gills and move with the aid of fins
They have the most numerous vertebrates with more than 30 000 species
All fish must maintain proper levels of salt and water in their bodies through osmosisFreshwater fishes Body salts are higher in
concentration than surrounding waterSaltwater fishes Surrounding water has higher
concentration than their bodies
Most fish are able to react to changes in water pressure temperature currents and sounds
Fish have taste buds in their mouth on their lips and on their body and fins Some are on their barbels (whisker-like projections around their mouth)
Has highly developed sense of smell
Philippine island goby (Pandaka pygmea)The smallest fish
Only 13 or frac12 inch long
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)The largest fish
Average size is 25 feet long
Grows about 50 feet and weigh up to 15 tons
EXTERNAL ANATOMY
EYE
MOUTH
OPERCULUM (GILL COVER)
PECTORAL FIN
ANAL FIN
PELVIC FIN
LATERAL LINE
SOFT DORSAL FIN
CAUDALTAIL FIN
SPINY DORSAL FIN
SCALES
VENT
NOSTRILS
PENDUCLE
ScalesThin bony plates that overlap each other and
provide protectionDevelop from and are embedded in a pocket of
the dermisThe exposed part is covered with a thin layer of
epidermis
Four types of scales1 Ctenoid
2 Cycloid
3 Gamoid
4 Placoid
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Most fish are able to react to changes in water pressure temperature currents and sounds
Fish have taste buds in their mouth on their lips and on their body and fins Some are on their barbels (whisker-like projections around their mouth)
Has highly developed sense of smell
Philippine island goby (Pandaka pygmea)The smallest fish
Only 13 or frac12 inch long
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)The largest fish
Average size is 25 feet long
Grows about 50 feet and weigh up to 15 tons
EXTERNAL ANATOMY
EYE
MOUTH
OPERCULUM (GILL COVER)
PECTORAL FIN
ANAL FIN
PELVIC FIN
LATERAL LINE
SOFT DORSAL FIN
CAUDALTAIL FIN
SPINY DORSAL FIN
SCALES
VENT
NOSTRILS
PENDUCLE
ScalesThin bony plates that overlap each other and
provide protectionDevelop from and are embedded in a pocket of
the dermisThe exposed part is covered with a thin layer of
epidermis
Four types of scales1 Ctenoid
2 Cycloid
3 Gamoid
4 Placoid
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Philippine island goby (Pandaka pygmea)The smallest fish
Only 13 or frac12 inch long
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)The largest fish
Average size is 25 feet long
Grows about 50 feet and weigh up to 15 tons
EXTERNAL ANATOMY
EYE
MOUTH
OPERCULUM (GILL COVER)
PECTORAL FIN
ANAL FIN
PELVIC FIN
LATERAL LINE
SOFT DORSAL FIN
CAUDALTAIL FIN
SPINY DORSAL FIN
SCALES
VENT
NOSTRILS
PENDUCLE
ScalesThin bony plates that overlap each other and
provide protectionDevelop from and are embedded in a pocket of
the dermisThe exposed part is covered with a thin layer of
epidermis
Four types of scales1 Ctenoid
2 Cycloid
3 Gamoid
4 Placoid
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)The largest fish
Average size is 25 feet long
Grows about 50 feet and weigh up to 15 tons
EXTERNAL ANATOMY
EYE
MOUTH
OPERCULUM (GILL COVER)
PECTORAL FIN
ANAL FIN
PELVIC FIN
LATERAL LINE
SOFT DORSAL FIN
CAUDALTAIL FIN
SPINY DORSAL FIN
SCALES
VENT
NOSTRILS
PENDUCLE
ScalesThin bony plates that overlap each other and
provide protectionDevelop from and are embedded in a pocket of
the dermisThe exposed part is covered with a thin layer of
epidermis
Four types of scales1 Ctenoid
2 Cycloid
3 Gamoid
4 Placoid
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
EXTERNAL ANATOMY
EYE
MOUTH
OPERCULUM (GILL COVER)
PECTORAL FIN
ANAL FIN
PELVIC FIN
LATERAL LINE
SOFT DORSAL FIN
CAUDALTAIL FIN
SPINY DORSAL FIN
SCALES
VENT
NOSTRILS
PENDUCLE
ScalesThin bony plates that overlap each other and
provide protectionDevelop from and are embedded in a pocket of
the dermisThe exposed part is covered with a thin layer of
epidermis
Four types of scales1 Ctenoid
2 Cycloid
3 Gamoid
4 Placoid
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
ScalesThin bony plates that overlap each other and
provide protectionDevelop from and are embedded in a pocket of
the dermisThe exposed part is covered with a thin layer of
epidermis
Four types of scales1 Ctenoid
2 Cycloid
3 Gamoid
4 Placoid
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
1 Ctenoid Have serrations on the
edges and rough surfaces
2 Cycloid Have smooth surfaces
and edges that make the fish feel smooth and slick
3 Ganoid
4 Placoid
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Skin it contains glands that produce a slimy
mucus which makes the fish slippery and provide protection from bacteria
Contains chromatophores which are pigment cells that give the fish its colors Usually allows to blend with its surroundings
Sensory receptors are also contained in the skin
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Anal finSingleFound on the underside near the tailActs as rudder or keel to help steer the fish during
faster motionIn some species this has adapted to become a
sex organ
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
FinsMovable structures that aid the fish in
swimming and maintaining its balanceMost have rayed fins These fins consist of a web of skin
supported by a bone or cartilage rods called rays May have sharp spiny or soft rays
Very flexible
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Pectoral fingenerally in symmetrical pairsFound on the side just behind the headUsed to stabilize rotate and stop the fish during
slower motion
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Caudal finSingle also called tail finTogether with the caudal penducle they
generate the forward thrust in most fish These are the main release point for that forward thrust
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Pelvic fin also called ventral finsGenerally in symmetrical pairsFound below and just behind the pectoral finsUsed in similar fashion to the pectoral fins
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Dorsal finFound along their backSoft dorsal fin
Used to stabilize the fish and keep them upright Has similar purpose to the anal fin
Spinous dorsal fin Also used to stabilize and keep them upright Spiny and sharp In some species it contains venom for protection
from predators Display of an erect dorsal fin shows readiness to
mate and is in prime condition therefore a good mate
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Eyes Has spherical lens that focuses by moving
within the eyeball not by changing the curvature of the lens
They donrsquot have eyelids kept moist by the water
Size usually depends on the amount of light reaching the eye
Fish living shallow and brightly lit waters have small eyes
Those that live in dimly lit water have big eyes
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Lateral lineSeries of fluid-filled ductssacs with hair-like
sensory apparatus that are open to the water through a series of pores located just under the scales
Neuromasts ndash Row of sensors that allow the fish to detect movement (vibration) around them in order to capture prey elude predators and navigate efficiently
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Mouth Have taste buds Feedingfood is based on its shape
Top dwellers ndash upturned Middle dwellers ndash small mouths and are
straight forward neither upward nor downward
Bottom-dwellers ndash downward turned or underslung
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Nostrils Used to detect odors in water and can be
quite sensitive
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Operculum (Gill cover)Flexible bony plateProtects the sensitive gills
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Vent External opening to digestive urinary and
reproductive tracts
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
INTERNAL ANATOMY
BRAIN
GILL
HEART
LIVER
STOMACH
INTESTINES
PYLORIC CAECA
GONADS (EGGS)
MUSCLESKIDNEY
SWIM BLADDERSPINAL AND SPINAL CORD
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Kidney Filters liquid waste materials from the blood
then these waters are then passed out of the body
Regulates water and salt concentrations within the fishrsquos body allowing certain fish species to exist in freshwater or saltwater and in some cases both
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Liver Assists in digestion by secreting enzymes
that break down fats Serve as storage area for fats and
carbohydrates Destroys old blood cells Maintains proper blood chemistry Plays a role in nitrogen (waste) excretion
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Muscle Provides movement and locomotion Part usually eaten and composes the fillet
or fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Spinal Cord Connects the brain to the rest of the body Relays sensory information from the rest of
the body to the brain and vice versa
Spine Primary structural framework upon which the
fishrsquos body is built Connects to the skull at the front and to the tail
at the rear of the fish Made up of numerous vertebrae (hollow which
house and protect the delicate spinal cord)
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Stomach and Intestines Break down (digest) food and absorb
nutrients Piscivorous fish (eat other fish) have
fairly short intestine because such food is easy to chemically break down and digest
Herbivorous fish (eat plants) require longer intestines because plant matter is usually tough and fibrous and more difficult to break down into usable components
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Swim Bladder located in the abdominal cavity Filled with gases produced by blood which
enables the fish to maintain a particular depth A few bony fishes are able to breathe
atmospheric air because their swim bladder is supplied with blood vessels thus allows it to function like a lung
A few fish species have a part of their intestines that are modified to allow oxygen intake
They rise to the surface and gulp air into their mouths
The air is swallowed into the digestive system then taken to the blood
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Anabantoid fish have special rosette-shaped plates in a labyrinthine chamber behind their gills
These are supplied with numerous blood vessels that absorb oxygen from the atmospheric air they inhale through their mouth
gtgtThese are important adaptation for fish living in swamps or other waters that are poorly oxygenated
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
FEEDING
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Flake foodsIdeal for small fishes up to 4 or 5 inches longProduced from the meat of fish fish eggs wheat
and vegetablesUsually contain additional vitamins and minerals
PelletFor larger fish
Floating fish sticksFor large top-feeding fish
Sinking small pelletsFor middle feedersSinks slowly
Sinking tabletsFor bottom-feeders
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Live foodsDaphnia
Water fleas (small crustacean)Artemina
Brine shrimp Small shrimp that live in salt lakes or brackish waters
River shrimp and bloodworms For large fish
Earthworms flies maggots wood lice caterpillars crickets and grasshoppers
Parasites and diseases that they may carry can be harmful to fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Freeze-dried and Frozen foodsSafe form
Mysis shrimp Pacific shrimp Tubifex worms Krill Plankton
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
MeatCarnivorous fishMinced or chopped
Beef heart liver Raw fish meat and Shellfish meat
Pieces of turkey and chicken Small goldfish (for larger carnivorous fish)
Vegetables Chopped or shredded lettuce spinach
leaves canned peas wheat germ and oat flakes
If not consumed within 8 hours it should be removed or disposed
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Four types of marine invertebrates1 Those that feed on plankton that is filtered from
the water including stone and horny coral tubeworms bivalves some species of sea cucumbers and crustaceans
Commercially prepared plankton foods and frozen foods are available
2 Those that feed on plant material including sea urchins mollusks and sea slugs
A diet of lettuce and spinach will hopefully prevent them from feeding on aquarium plants
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
3 Those that are carnivorous including crabs sea stars sea anemones shrimp and lobsters
Sea anemones should be fed only when their tentacles are out (in bloom)
Drop the food in their tentacles
4 Those that are scavengers including sea cucumbers
They feed on debris and uneaten foods on the bottom of the aquarium
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
REPRODUCTION
Reproduce by means of fertilization of the femalersquos eggs by the sperm (milt) from the male
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
EGG-LAYERS
a) Egg-Scatterers Fish that lay their eggs in a haphazard
manner on the floor of an aquarium Some species lay adhesive eggs that stick
to the gravel on the aquarium flooron decorations and plant materials
Other species lay nonadhesive eggs No parental care of the eggyoung Once the egg is laid they are forgotten
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Several steps taken to reduce the number of eggs eaten by parents
1 Cut down on the amount of light This encourages spawning and increases the number of eggs produced
2 Have aquarium plants so dense that adult fish will have difficulty swimming among plants to find eggs and newly hatched fry
3 Place on or two layers of glass marbles on the floor of the aquarium The eggs will settle among them and the adults wonrsquot be able to get to the eggs
4 Place spawning grass or Spanish moss or man-made grass on the aquarium floor This material can be placed over layers of marbles also
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
5 Drape a nylon curtain in the tank The adults can swim above the curtain and as the eggs are laid they will fall through the curtain to the floor aquarium
6 Use a large spawning tank that allows the eggs to go undiscovered and the newly-hatched fry to hide or evade the adults
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Egg-buryersFish that lay their eggs in the mud of rivers and
ponds or in the material on the floor of the aquarium
In river muds and ponds Adults lay their eggs in the mud an die when the
river and ponds dry up The eggs survive and hatches when the next rain
comesIn aquariums
Annual fish lay their eggs in two or three inches of peat in the material
Lives more than a year
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
These annual fish may also lay eggs in dense plant growth or spawning grass
The eggs can be removed with tweezers and stored in moist peat
Take the peat containing the eggs squeeze out the water place the peat in plastic bag and seal them
After two or three months place the peat in water so that the eggs will hatch
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
c) Egg-DepositorsUsually select their own mateHave complex spawning routines
They clean off a nesting site where the female deposits her eggs and the male fertilizes them
Excellent parents Take turns guarding the nest They constantly fan the nest and eggs with their fins
to keep them clean from dirt or silt and dust that may settle on them
When they young fry hatch they keep watch for several days to protect them from predators
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
d) Mouth-BroodersFish that carry their eggs in their mouth until they
hatch During this incubation of two to three weeks parent
does not eatThen the young may continue to be carried in
their parents mouth until they are ready to fendIn some species
The young after leaving the parentrsquos mouth may return if threatened
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
e) Nest-BuildersConstructs a nest in which the eggs are
depositedNest can be
Bubble nest on the surface made from saliva-blown bubbles
Prepared from materials found on the floor of the aquarium
After the eggs are fertilized the female should be removed because the male will become aggressive towards her and he then guards the nest
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
LIVE-BEARERS The malersquos anal fin is modified so that he can
deposit milt into the vent of the female Gonopodium ndash the modification which is a
characteristic that helps identify the male of the species
Give birth to twenty or as many as 200 young fry Female store the milt in their oviducts for several
months thereby several brood can be producedIn viviparous species
The young are nourished from the femalersquos bloodstreamIn ovoviviparous species
The young are nourished by the yolk sac
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
In preparing breed fish several conditions should be observed
1 Temperature of the water should be increased 2 or 3 degF This stimulates breeding
2 Filtration and healthy water conditions are vital to successful breeding and reproduction However a system that provides too much up-lift or suction may draw the young fry into the gravel on the bottom And if aeration is too strong the young can be injured
3 Air-operated sponge filter and a gentle flow of air from an air stone provide adequate conditions
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
AQUARIUM ANDFISH POND
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
AQUARIUM
The term combines the Latin root aqua meaning water with the suffix -arium meaning a place for relating toldquo
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
TYPES OF AQUARIUM Community Aquarium
Freshwater and Saltwater AquariumMix of fish and plants originating from different
geographical areas with emphasis placed on color and hardiness
Can be successful if it follows the basic rules for compatibility of its inhabitants with respect to temperature water chemistry aquarium size and character
Planted aquariumsFeatures emphasis on plants and limited fish populationsTypical fish species are tetras or rasboras and some
angelfishLighting and attention to appropriate filtration media are
important details
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
EQUIPMENTS
FILTER
FILTER SYSTEMS
FILTER MEDIA
HEATER
AIR PUMP
THERMOMETER
LIGHTING
AQUARIUM DECORATIONS
TEST KITS
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
FILTER
Remove solid waste and uneaten food materials from the water
For water purity and quality Takes out visible particles breaks down
toxic substances and removes harmful chemicals in aquariums
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Filter Media
Is the content of a filter system which is in contact with the water flow and is the substance that actually performs the mechanical biological and chemical filtering
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
MECHANICAL FILTRATION Removal of particulate waste from the water Mechanical filter media which is very fine will
trap greater quantities of debris and plug more rapidly
Regularly remove accumulated debris This will help support superior oxygen levels stable water conditions and reduce nitrate accumulations
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Foam is an excellent mechanical filter media The porous channel structure within the foam obliges the
incoming water to deviate from a straight path maximizing contact time and giving the foam a huge holding capacity for debris
Maximum mechanical effect is achieved after approximately 10 to 14 days
It also supports essential bacteria and can be a mechanical and biological filter media as evidenced by internal filter systems as long as a regular water change schedule is respected
Polywool Effective mechanical filter media that will remove fine particles
and prevent other filter media from being prematurely clogged It will contribute to polishing aquarium water for ultra clear
conditions
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
CHEMICAL FILTRATION Active control and change of specific water
characteristics Filter media and various products exist that
clarify water eliminate odor remove chlorine eliminate medications after disease treatments neutralize heavy metal ions and effect changes in hardness and pH levels
Specific chemical filter media should be used to optimize water conditions for various groups of fish and plants This will ensure that fish and plants will look their best and stay healthy
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Accomplished with the use of activated charcoal (soaks up dissolved minerals and chemicals)
Activated charcoal can be placed in box filters or return water can flow through the charcoal
Charcoal must be replaced periodically as it reaches the point where it can no longer absorb dissolved materials
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Carbon highly adsorptive and is capable of removing odors and liquid wastes
such as urine dyes and many other impurities from aquarium water Provides the correct pore size and selection of optimal raw ingredients
to provide long lasting aquarium filtration This is very important as there are carbons that are manufactured using raw materials which are designed for filtering air not water and are sold for aquarium use
OptindashCarb An advanced chemical filter media that combines a high quality carbon
with both a synthetic Organic Adsorption and Ion Exchange Resin This potent combination of ingredients will ensure that aquarium water
is effectively free of dissolved protein matter toxic heavy metals dissolved gasses that cause odor and discoloration for a crystal clear aquarium
Both fresh and saltwater aquariums will benefit from improved water quality Fresh and saltwater fish will thrive in ultra pure water while plants and corals will benefit from improved light availability due to ultra clear water conditions
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Phosphate Remover Phosphate is major nutrient and is undesirable within
freshwater aquariums that do not contain plants and in marine aquariums in general Itrsquos presence is linked to undesirable aquarium conditions and can result in an unsightly appearance
Pre-Filter consists of inert solid rings that are ideal for medium to
coarse filtration These durable rings also serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria contributing to biological filtration
Ammonia Remover natural mineral which safely and effectively scavenges
ammonium from aquarium water Particularly useful when chloramine is present in tap water
and in instances where ammonia can occur such as new aquariums fish loss overfeeding after disease treatment and overpopulated installations
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Zeo-Carb Combines Ultra Grade Carbon and Ammonia Remover to
protect the aquarium from build-ups of ammonia and liquefied waste dyes and medication
It effectively controls and removes ammonia while trapping organic compounds In addition it also supports biological filtration
Nitrate Remover Effectively bind large quantities of Nitrate and highly toxic Nitrite As ammonia and nitrite are continuously converted by nitrifying
bacteria there is an accumulation of nitrate The greater the concentration of fish and other life within the aquarium the faster Nitrate will accumulate This is a direct reflection of poor water quality as well as being a major factor in unsightly aquarium conditions Regular use of this product is highly recommended for well stocked freshwater aquariums especially those that do not contain live plants
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION Neutralize toxic substances essentially
ammonia excreted from fish during respiration and produced from decaying waste and food materials
In this system a slotted plastic plate is placed in the bottom of the aquarium
A 2 or 3 inch layer of gravel is placed over the slotted plate should be 0125 inches in diameter
Gravel containing large particles allows food to fall and decay while too small particles block the air pump
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Aquarium Peat Highly desirable filter media which is very beneficial for aquariums
containing plants South American Cichlids Tetras Gouramis Rasboras Killifish and many other species of fish originating from acidic waters
Peat will lightly stain the water a natural tan color lower pH and KH values and release natural substances optimizing aquarium water conditions for many fresh water fish and aquatic plants
Fish that originate in acidic water will exhibit optimum coloration improved behavior and reproduction
Peat can also have a positive effect in supporting acidic water conditions
Bio-Max Perfect biological media for fresh or salt water aquariumsBioMax porous cylinders are capable of supporting huge populations
of water purifying bacteria They are composed of 85 Micro-Tunnels ideal for hosting the beneficial bacteria which consume toxic ammonia and nitrite The remaining 15 are micro-cavities ideal for hosting other species of beneficial bacteria that can contribute to biological filtration
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Air pump
Achieves aeration (air or gas passing through)
Pumps are eitherVibrator-diaphragm typeRotary-vane type
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Waste and ammonia Fish excrete waste and an unestablished (or uncycled)
aquarium is not capable of processing these waste materials efficiently so this creates toxic conditions for the fish The result is fish loss Your aquarium water must be free of toxic compounds in order for fish to survive and thrive
Ammonia perhaps the most notorious toxin is introduced into your aquarium through fish waste respiration and other biological processes It is extremely toxic and fish will show signs of stress such as erratic swimming behavior when ammonia is present High levels of ammonia attack the gills first causing fish to gasp at the surface Continued exposure affects their fins and skin and eventually their entire system is under attack
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Factors contributing to the increase of ammonia and nitrites
Increase in waste material and uneaten food on the bottom of the aquarium
Dirty filtersFailure to change water at regular intervals
( frac14 to 15 of the water should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks)OverfeedingOverpopulation of fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
In an established aquarium ammonia is promptly converted into less toxic substances by beneficial bacteria through a natural process called the nitrogen cycle
New aquariums do not have established colonies of beneficial bacteria to adequately process these toxins
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Cycling The process of establishing and maturing
biological filtration The nitrogen cycling process that all new
aquarium setups go through when they first start is what leads to the birth of the aquariums biological filtration From start to finish this cycle usually takes around 30 to 45 days to complete
ImportanceIn order to establish efficient biological filtration
capable of breaking down these toxic compounds
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
NitrificationGrowth of colonies of aerobic bacteriaMost efficient at a pH of 9Nitrosomonas
Coverts ammonia into nitritesNitrobacter
Converts nitrites into nitrates
pH scales read
0 = very acidic
14 = very alkaline
70 = neutral
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
The Nitrogen Cycle
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Importance
The nitrogen cycle of an aquarium is a natural chain of events resulting in the colonization of various types of nitrifying bacteria each with their own job to do Without a strong healthy biological filter an aquarium will never be able to support a healthy population of fish and invertebrates
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
What does toxic ammonia convert into during the nitrogen cycleFirst oxygen-loving bacteria called
Nitrosomonas feed on ammonia and through biological processes they excrete nitrite a less toxic but still dangerous chemical
Another oxygen-utilizing bacteria called Nitrobacter feeds on the nitrite converting it into relatively harmless nitrate Nitrate can be used by plants in the aquarium or can be removed with water changes
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
HEATERS
Warms water to maintain water temperatures preferred by tropical fish
Stabilizes the water temperature for the health of the fish
There are two types of heatersSubmersibleElectronic
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
THERMOMETER
To monitor water temperature and heater accuracy
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
LIGHTING
Brings out extraordinary colors in the aquarium and facilitates the growth of live plants
For viewing aquarium inhabitants or for healthy live plants
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Fluorescent
Incandescent
LED
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Factors that influence the type and quantity of light required
Size of aquarium Fish species and other aquatic
inhabitants Plant life Aesthetics
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Lighting tips
Most plants require approximately 12 hours per day of light from a fluorescent fixture
Sudden changes in light may stress fish When turning canopy lights on or off it is beneficial to have room lights on for at least 30 minutes
Fish fed during the day should be allowed 30 minutes of light before and after feeding
Use timers when possible Plants and fish will respond better to consistent lighting periods
Plants and fish will adapt to gradual light changes When changing bulbs in a multiple bulb installation change 1 to 2 weeks apart
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
A remote ballast should be mounted in an area where there is adequate ventilation to efficiently dissipate heat This is especially important in ballast types that generate more heat
Electrical wiring leading to the ballast should always incorporate a drip loop
Consider a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) power bar as an inexpensive insurance to avoid unpleasant circumstances surrounding any potential electrical mishaps
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day As in nature fish and plants require dark periods as well
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
To make it attractive Also provide shelter and hiding places
for inhabitants Plants can be added for attractiveness
and to provide a means of using carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
AQUARIUM DECOR
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
AQUARIUM DECOR
GRAVEL
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
DRIFTWOOD
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
SHELLS
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
ORNAMENTS
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
AQUARIUM BACKGROUNDS
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
CORRALS
ROCKS
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Water starWater milfoil
Live plants
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Amazon sword plant Arrowhead
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Ambulia Giant eel grass
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Willow moss Ludwigia
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Java moss Java fern
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Japanese dwarf rush Indian water star
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Hornwart Hairgrass
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
TEST KITS
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Success Begins with Research1 What aquarium inhabitants are appealing to you
and what others can be housed with them
2 What size and shape of aquarium is recommended for them
3 What types of filtration lighting decorative structure and accessory equipment are needed in order for the aquarium inhabitants to thrive
4 What feeding and maintenance is required to keep them healthy
5 Most importantly are you willing to invest the time and money necessary for ongoing maintenance
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Rules of the thumb Generally the larger the aquarium the better unless it will be too heavy
for the flooring to hold it A tank that is filled with gravel and water will weigh at least 10 lbs per gallon That adds up quickly if you consider that a seemingly small 20-gallon tank will weigh 200 pounds and that does not account for the stand lighting or filtration
It is imperative to choose a sturdy stand to hold the tank If you choose to setup your tank in an environment frequented by small children choose a stand that cannot be climbed on or pulled over
Choose a filter appropriate to the type of inhabitants you are keeping and water capacity of the tank Buy the best filter that you can afford At minimum a filter should provide mechanical and biological filtration
Next youll need a heater and a good thermometer Make sure the heater is at least 3-5 watts per gallon For example a 50-gallon tank would require a 150-250 watt heater
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
You will need to choose an aquarium cover or hood If the inhabitants require special lighting youll want to purchase a fixture that can accommodate it
A water conditioner will be needed to remove chlorine and heavy metals if they are present in your water supply
Dont forget a net Now youre ready to decorate Its essential to choose
decorations that provide fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress Plants and decorations can also be used to conceal filter parts Gravel in the bottom of the tank holds plants and decorations while hiding wastes If you will be using an under gravel filter the gravel should be about 2 inches thick Dark colors will make the fish color appear more vibrant
A gravel cleaner and algae cleaner will be needed within 30 days so you can begin regular maintenance
Before you place the items in the tank rinse them off and rinse gravel thoroughly until water drained off is clear
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Choose a sturdy level area to set up the tank Set up the stand then the tank Pour in cleaned gravel Fill the tank with tap water about 34 full then put in
decorations set up filtration heater and thermometer Continue filling aquarium to 12 from bottom of rim This allows extra space for when you put your first batch of fish in to acclimate
Now youre ready to start up filtration heater and add any water conditioners needed Assemble lightingcover Then wait until tank heater has adjusted the water to the correct temperature (75degF for most fish) and maintains it
Finally you can purchase your fish and acclimate them to their new home remember not to put too many in at one time
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
10 BASIC TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL AQUARIUM
1 AVOID OVERCOMPENSATING
Instead Assess the situation and determine a prudent course of action Many situations benefit from patience rather than misguided action
2 AVOID ADDING TOO MANY FISH TOO SOON
Instead Allow two to three weeks between each introduction of new fish Also use a biological additive with every addition Adding too many fish too quickly taxes the biological filter The subsequent spike in ammonia level can often result in fish loss
3 AVOID SKIPPING QUARANTINE
Instead Always house new fish in a separate quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 2 weeks for observation and treatment of potential illness
4 AVOID NEGLECTING WATER TESTS
Instead Test aquarium water regularly to make sure water parameters are within acceptable levels Many common aquarium pollutants are invisible Regular water testing is the only accurate way to detect toxins such as ammonia or nitrite
5 AVOID OVER-CLEANING
Instead Stagger water changes and perform partial gravel cleaning to preserve vital beneficial bacteria Aggressive cleaning can upset established biological filtration by removing beneficial bacteria An imbalance may result where ammonia levels exceed the processing capacity of the diminished bacterial population
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
6 AVOID UNDER-CLEANING
Instead Perform routine partial water changes and follow the manufacturers recommended schedule for replacing filter media Lax maintenance habits have a cumulative negative effect on overall water quality Not only do pollutants accumulate to unhealthy levels it becomes more difficult to bring aquarium conditions within acceptable parameters
7 AVOID SKIPPING RESEARCH
Instead Research care requirements of the species you are interested in first Resist impulse purchases Make sure you are able to properly provide for the species and that your aquarium is capable of supporting the new addition Also confirm compatibility of existing aquarium inhabitants
8 AVOID GENERIC EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Instead Purchase equipment that satisfies the specific needs of YOUR aquarium inhabitants Each aquarium setup is unique so research and customize filtration lighting water movement and aeration requirements
9 AVOID IMPROPER NUTRITION
Instead Offer a wide variety of foods including flake foods freeze-dried foods and frozen foods Avoid over-feeding by following the manufacturers feeding instructions Adjust feeding amount so fish are able to finish the dispensed portion within a couple minutes
10 AVOID IMPROPER USE OF BOTTLE REMEDIES
Instead Always read and follow the manufacturers label completely before dispensing any medications water conditioners or algaecides More does not always mean better results
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Fish pond
a controlled pond artificial lake or reservoir that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming or is used for recreational fishing or for ornamental purposes
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
STEP-BY STEP
1 MAKING CONTOURS
2 THE DIGGING
3 THE LINERbull 1st layer ndash polyesterbull 2nd layer ndash rubber
4 INSTALLING EQUIPMENT Filter system
5 ADDING STRUCTURE
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1 LOCATIONA place with a good mixture of sun and shadeBuild on a natural hill so we could put a waterfall using
a terrain
2 STYLESIZE Depth Levels Most comfortable way of enjoying and feeding the fish
3 MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT
4 SELECTING FISH
5 PLANT
6 WATERFALL
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Water hardness
Hardness ndash caused by a dissolved magnesium and calcium salts
can be diluted by removing some of the hard water and adding soft water
2 typesTemporary
can be removed by boiling the waterPermanent
Removed by chemical means or distillation
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Measured byGerman scale measure (degDH)Clark or English scale measure (degH)ppm (parts per million of either CaCo3 or CaO) gpg (grains per gallon)
Conversion factors
1 degDH = 179 ppm CaCo3
1 degH = 143 ppm CaO
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Selecting Healthy Fish Clear Eyes (not cloudy) Erect undamaged fins Scales should be intact parallel with body (not sticking outwards) and
no red blotches No holes ulcerations or lumps Species with translucent bodies no inner appearing whitish areas Active lively normal swimming patterns (some species are naturally
shy and reclusive) No white spots (salt grain size) or white cottony growths on the fins or
body Respiration rate should be regular and steady (in unstressed
circumstances) Gills should be red inside not faded or discolored and not distended or
puffy Actively feeding Avoid selecting fish from a system that contains any sick specimens
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
ACCLIMATION OF NEW FISH
Close the aquarium lights during the acclimation period Float the bag in the aquarium for approximately 20 minutes to equalize water temperatures
Open the bag and gently pour in some aquarium water (approximately 13 the bag volume) wait 10 minutes Repeat this water introduction twice more at the same interval
Carefully net the fish out of the bag and place them in the aquarium Dispose of the water in the bag DO NOT release this water into the aquarium
If the newly introduced specimens are the only ones in the aquarium wait 24 hours before initial feeding
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
To determine the number of fish can be put in a tank
One should multiply the length by the width to determine the square inches of surface area
Rule of thumb Tropical Freshwater aquarium ndash no more than 1
inch of fish for every 10 square inches of surface area
Cold Freshwater aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 30 square inches of surface area
Marine aquarium ndash 1 inch of fish for every 48 square inches
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
FISH FAMILIES
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
ORDER CYPRINIFORMES
SUBORDER CHARACOIDEI
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
FAMILY HEMIODONTIDAE
SUBORDER CYPRINOIDEI
FAMILY CYPRINIDAE
FAMILY GYRINOCHEILDAE
FAMILY COBITIDAE
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Characidei Large family containing 1300 species about 1000
are found in Central America and the remaining are found in Africa
Most are brightly colored and have narrow dorsal fin and small adipose fin
Most are omnivorous and consume all types of food while few are carnivorous
Inhabit shallow slow-moving rivers of the rainforest and live among sand and ground shoal areas
Most are sociable and do well in the aquarium community
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
TETRA
Blind Cave Fish
Astyanax mexicanus
Native to the underground caves of Mexico
Grows about 3 frac12 inch long Primarily flesh colored and
fins are colorless The young has eyes but as
they mature skin grows on them thus nonfunctional
Uses their sense of smell to seek out and consume food
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Bucktoothed Tetra
Exodon paradoxus
Grows about 5 frac12 inch in lenth
Very aggressive and should be kept in thickly planted aquariums with fish that are able to protect themselves
Gold-colored with reddish orange fins
Feed on vegetation and fruit
Native to South America
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Red-eyed or Glass Tetra
Moenkhausia oligolepis
Grows slightly less than 5 inches in length
Silver gray with dark edges to the scales on the upper body
Upper part of the eyes is red
There is a yellow band around the penducle and a black band at the base of the caudal fin
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
PIRANHA
Red Piranha
Serrasalmus nattereri
Most widespread among the piranha species
Found in South America Grows about 12 inches in length Disc-shaped muscular and very
powerful Eats young fish lean meat meat-
based flake foods and insects Primary color is steel gray darker
blue-gray color back and red underside with numerous black spots
Must be kept in an aquarium by themselves
Temperature should be maintained at about 78 F
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Cardinal tetra
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Gasteropelecidae Commonly referred as hatchet fish have distinctive hatchet shaped deep narrow
bodies and are small fish 1 frac12 to 2 frac12 inches long Elongated pectoral fins used to fly short
distances across the waterrsquos surface Aquariums should be fitted with cover lid to
prevent them from flying out Temperature control 79 F Native to South America Top-feeders
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
HATCHET FISH
Common hatchet fish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Black-wing hatchet fish
Carnegiella marthae
Marbled hatchet fish
Carnegiella strigata
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Anostomidae
Native to South America Reach 3 to 5 inches length During rest these fish position themselves
vertically among plants and rocks Middle to bottom dwelling fish feed on all
types of food Do well in community aquariums Good jumpers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and maintained at 79 F
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Marbled headstander
Abramites hypselonotus
Striped headstander
Anostomus anostomus
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Spotted headstander
Chilodus punctatus
Banded headstander
Leporinus fasciatus
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Hemiodontidae Native to South and Central America Distinguished by having no teeth in its lower
jaw Have small pointed mouths some have
adipose fin and some swim at an oblique angle Take on different coloration at night than
during the day Top to middle dwellers Water should be soft slightly acidic filtered
through peat and 76 F plus or minus 6
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Common pencil fish
Nannostomus eques
Dwarf pencil fish
Nannostomus marginatus
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
One-lined or golden pencil fish
Nannostomus unifasciatusThree-lined pencil fish
Nannostomus trifasciatus
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Citharinidae
Native to Africa Sometimes referred to as moon fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Six-banded Distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
Primary color is orange with silver or gold iridescence white with dark edge adipose fin and other fins have a reddish tinge caudal fin is bright red with dark edges
Does well in community aquarium
Grows up to 10 inches may be aggressive to smaller fish
Feed on all types of food young and tender shoots
Water should be maintained at 78 F plus or minus 3 F
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
One-striped African Characin
Nannaethiops unitaeniatus
Grows about 2 frac12 inches long
Upper parts are brown and lower parts are yellow with white belly
Dark striped run from the mouth through the eye to the base of the caudal fin and above this is a golden iridescent strip
Does well in aquarium community
Water temp 78 F Feed on all types of food
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Pike Characin
Phago maculatus
Grows about 6 inches Very thin narrow fish
with long beak-like jaws Both upper and lower jaws habe two rows of teeth
Has large caudal fin others are small
Very aggressive should be kept only in a species aquarium
Eats insects and other fish
Water temp 81 F plus or minus 2 F
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
African Redfin
Neolebias ansorgii
Grows to about 1 frac12 inches long
Primary color is dark blue with white underside and red fins
Overall blue-gold iridescence Bottom-dwellers Does best in shoals (group of
fish) of its own kind Feed on all types of food Water temp 78 F plus or
minus 5 F
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Cyprinidei
Commonly referred to as carps and minnows Doesnrsquot have teeth in its jaws but uses
pharyngeal teeth in its throat (pharyngeal teeth) to grin and break up food
Some have barbels at the corner of the mouth while none have adipose fin
Most are bottom-dwellers do well in aquarium community
Water temperature 75 F plus or minus 2 F Feed on all types of food
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Kept and developed by Chinese for centuries
Most grow from 3 frac12 to 8 inches long
Occupy all levels of aquarium
Single-tail varieties easiest to keep and water temp between 32 and 68 F
Two-tail varieties more delicate and require more care water temp between 46 to 68 F
Feed on all types of foods Water must be kept clean
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Koi
Cyprinus carpio
Originated in Japan Grow to 3 feet can be worth
thousand of dollars Small koi are usually kept
indoors and then moved outdoor pools when they reach 5 inches
Occupy all levels Water temp between 32
and 68 F Water must be well filtered Consume all types of foods
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Three main varietiesSingle-colored = yellow or orangeTwo-colored = white with red markings (Kohaku)
gold and silver (Hariwaki)Three-colored = light blue with orange and black
markings (Asagi)
white with red and black markings (Taisho Sanke)
black with red and white markings (Showa Sante) Divided with type of scales
Doitsu ndash few large scalesMatsuba ndash pinecone scalesKin-rin ndash gold metallic speckled scalesGin-rin ndash silver metallic speckled scales
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
BARB
Spanner Barb
Barbus lateristiga
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows up to 7 inches long Primary color is greenish gold
darker on the back getting lighter downsides with silver underside
2 large vertical bars run from back to belly amp 1 dark horizontal bar through penducle to the caudal fin
Occupies all levels Should be kept with similar size
fish Consumes all types of food Water temp 71 F plus or
minus 5
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Tinfoil barb or goldfoil barb or Schwanenfeldrsquos barb
Barbus schwanenfeldi
Native to Thailand Malaysia and Indonesia
Grows to 12 inches long Primary color is silver with
gold or blue irdescence Fins are red dorsal fin has
black tip and caudal tip has black edges
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Diet vegetation lettuce leaves along with other types of food
Water temp 72 F plus or minus 5 F
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Clown barb or Everettrsquos barb
Barbus everetti
Native to Singapore and Borneo
Grows to 6 inches long Primary color is reddish
brown with orange tinge amp silvergold iridescence fins are light red
Does well in community aquarium but should be kept with similar size fish
Consumes all type of food Water temp 79 F plus or
minus 2 F
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Cherry barb
Barbus titteya
Zebra barb
Barbus fasciatus
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Arulius Barb
Barbus arulius
Dwarf or Pygmy barb
Barbus phutunio
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
MINNOW
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Native to China Grows to 1 frac34 inches Olive brown back with green
iridescence and white underside
Thin dark blue stripe runs the length of body and bordered above with golded iridescent stripe and reddish band below
Reddish with silver blue tip fins
Does well in community aquarium
Feeds on all types of food Very hardy fish tolerates wide
variety of aquarium temperatures from 61 to 72 F
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
DADIO
Dadio
Laubaca dadiburjori
Native to Indonesia Burma Malaysia Sri Lanka amp Thailand
Grows to 1 frac34 inches Primary color is golden
brown with blue stripe runs the length of the body and yellow fins
Does well in community tanks
Top-dwellers Feeds on all types of food Water temp 75 F
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Red-tailed Shark
Epalzeorhynchus bicolor
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Gyrinocheilidae
Chinese algae eater or Sucking Loach
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Native to Thailand Grows to 10 inches long Primary body color is gray-
brown with dark blotches along its sides and back
Has large fleshy lips on the underside of the snout and can cling to vegetation rocks and to glass side of aquarium
Feed primarily on algae and other vegetation
Do well in community aquarium
Water temp 75 F pus or minus 5 F
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Cobitidae Native to Indonesia Distinguished by their flat underside mouths
on lower side of their snout and three pairs of barbels
Nocturnal and hide among vegetation and rocks during the day
Several grow from 2 frac14 to 12 inches long Most do best in community aquariums Feed on all types of food Water temp 80 F plus or minus 5 F
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
LOACH
Clown loach
Botia macracantha
Most colorful and popular Primary color is bright
orange 3 dark bands encircle the body
Front portion of dorsal and anal fins are orange others are red
Does well in community aquarium
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Orange-finned loach
Botia modesta
Chain or dwarf loach
Botia sidthimunki
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
ORDER SULIFORMES
FAMILY SILURIDAE
FAMILY SCHILBEIDAE
FAMILY MOCKOKIDAE
FAMILY PIMELODIDAE
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Siluridae
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Glass catfish
Kryptopterus bicirrrhis
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Three-striped glass catfish
Eutropiellus debauwi
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Upside-down catfish
Synodontis nigriventris
Family Mochokidae
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Pimelodidae
Commonly referred to as unarmored catfish
Covered with skin but have no scales or bones
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Spotted Pimelodella
Pimelodella pictus
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Graceful Pimelodella
Pimelodella gracilis
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Loricariidae
Commonly referred to as sucker catfish Have three or four rows of bony plates
or scutes and have underslung mouths designed for sucking or clinging onto vegetation and rocks
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Whiptail catfish
Loricaria filamentosa
Grows to about 10 inches long
Has elongated body with very elongated penducle upper lobe of the caudal tail is elongated into an appendage
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Golden otocinclus
Otocinclus affinis
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Sucker catfish
Plecostomus punctatus
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
ORDER PERCIFORMESFAMILY CICHLIDAE
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Family Cichlidae Most are native to South America and Africa Have one pair of nostrils Dorsal fin has a long base and the first three
rays form spines The anal fin is short and the first three rays are
also spines caudal fin is usually rounded 2 main spawning patterns
Some lay egg their eggs on rocks leaves logs or on holes dug by male
Shelter-breeders lay their eggs in spawning areas out in the open that have been cleared
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
From South America Narrow disc-shaped with
large fins Dorsal pelvic and anal
fins are usually elongated
Grows about 6 inches Peaceful fish that do well
in community aquarium Consume all types of
food Water temp 79 F plus
or minus 7 F
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Grow to 14 inches Coloration varies
considerably Usually gray with black
vertical blotches along the sides some have reddish orange scales along lower sides
Aggressive amp should be kept in a species aquarium
Water temp 75 F plus or minus 3 F
Consume all types of food including chopped meat live minnows and small fish
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