Aquatical - Part 2

Tips and Tricks for Breeding Fish in an Aquarium: A Fintastic Guide to Fishy Families

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of aquarium fish breeding? Whether you’re an experienced fishkeeper or a budding aquarist, breeding fish in your home aquarium can be a rewarding and fascinating adventure. In this fun, informative, and vivid guide, we’ll share top tips and tricks for breeding your fish and raising healthy, happy fry. So, let’s dive in and explore the magical world of fish families!

Tip 1: Choose the Right Breeders

Selecting the right fish to breed is crucial for a successful fish family. Opt for species that are known for their ease of breeding and hardiness, such as guppies, mollies, or platies. When choosing your breeders, look for healthy, mature fish with vibrant colors and strong fins. A pair or small group of males and females will increase the chances of successful breeding.

Tip 2: Create the Perfect Love Nest

To encourage your fish to breed, you’ll need to create a comfortable and suitable environment for them. This includes maintaining optimal water parameters, temperature, and lighting conditions. Add hiding spots and breeding sites, such as caves, plants, or spawning mops, depending on the species’ preferences. For example, angelfish prefer vertical surfaces for laying eggs, while guppies enjoy dense vegetation for giving birth to live young.

Tip 3: Set the Mood with a Delectable Diet

A well-rounded, nutritious diet is essential to stimulate breeding behavior and ensure the health of the parents and their offspring. Offer your fish a mix of high-quality, protein-rich foods, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods, as these can act as a natural aphrodisiac and boost their overall health.

Tip 4: Watch for Signs of Romance

Keep an eye on your fish to identify signs of courtship and breeding. Each species has its unique breeding behaviors and rituals. For example, bettas perform an enchanting dance and build bubble nests, while cichlids engage in elaborate courtship displays. Observing these behaviors will help you determine when it’s time to take action and care for the eggs or fry.

Tip 5: Protect the Precious Fry

Once your fish have successfully bred, it’s crucial to protect the delicate fry from potential threats, including their own parents. Many species of fish are notorious for consuming their young, so separating the fry is essential. Either move the adults to a different tank or provide a dedicated breeding tank with a mesh divider or breeding box to keep the fry safe.

Tip 6: Nurture Your Tiny Swimmers

Your baby fish will require special care and attention to ensure their healthy growth. Feed them a diet of age-appropriate foods, such as powdered fish food, infusoria, or baby brine shrimp. Maintain excellent water quality and perform regular water changes to keep their environment clean and safe. Monitor the fry’s development and growth closely, adjusting their care as needed.

Breeding fish in your home aquarium is a magical and rewarding experience that allows you to witness the fascinating life cycle of your aquatic pets. By following these tips and tricks, you can create a thriving environment for your fish to breed and raise healthy, happy fry. So, embrace your inner aquarist and dive into the wonderful world of fish families!

3 Most Expensive Saltwater Pet Fish: The Aquatic Jewels of the Marine World

by James Book

Attention, marine aficionados and luxury lovers! Prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure into the glamorous realm of the most expensive saltwater pet fish. These aquatic jewels, with their breathtaking colors and fascinating behaviors, are sure to leave you in awe. Are you ready to discover the top 3 most expensive saltwater pet fish? Let’s dive in and explore these mesmerizing marine marvels!

Clarion Angelfish: The Royal Treasure of the Deep

At the top of our list of the most expensive saltwater pet fish is the regal Clarion Angelfish (Holacanthus clarionensis). With a price tag ranging from $2,500 to $7,000, this vibrant beauty will add a touch of royalty to your marine aquarium.

Native to the Pacific coast of Mexico, the Clarion Angelfish boasts a stunning orange-gold body with bright blue accents along its fins and a unique blue mask. This rare gem is highly sought after by collectors and hobbyists alike for its striking appearance and charming personality.

However, owning a Clarion Angelfish requires a sizeable tank (at least 180 gallons) and a commitment to a strict diet of sponges, algae, and other marine delicacies. If you’re ready to make this royal investment, the Clarion Angelfish will undoubtedly rule your underwater kingdom with grace and splendor.

Neptune Grouper: The Deep Sea’s Dazzling Enigma

Swimming into second place on our list of the most expensive saltwater pet fish is the Neptune Grouper (Cephalopholis igarashiensis), with prices ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. This captivating creature is a true enigma, hailing from the mysterious depths of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

The Neptune Grouper’s alluring mix of pink, orange, and yellow hues, combined with its intricate patterning, make it a prized addition to any high-end marine aquarium. However, this deep-sea jewel is not for the faint-hearted, as it requires an experienced aquarist to meet its specific care requirements.

A large tank (at least 200 gallons) and a cave-like environment are essential for the Neptune Grouper to thrive. Additionally, this predatory fish demands a varied diet of meaty foods, making it a fascinating yet challenging addition to your saltwater aquarium.

Golden Basslet: The Shimmering Showstopper

Last but certainly not least, the Golden Basslet (Liopropoma aberrans) claims its place among the most expensive saltwater pet fish. With its price tag of $4,000 to $8,000, this shimmering showstopper will undoubtedly captivate your heart and wallet.

The Golden Basslet, found in the deep waters of the Caribbean and western Atlantic, enchants aquarists with its breathtaking metallic gold coloration and elegant, elongated body. Despite its small size (up to 4 inches), this exquisite fish demands attention and admiration.

Caring for a Golden Basslet requires a large tank (at least 100 gallons), with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces to mimic its natural habitat. These elusive creatures can be shy and require a peaceful tank environment, making them best suited for experienced marine hobbyists.

These three luxurious saltwater pet fish are the ultimate aquatic jewels, offering unrivaled beauty and rarity to those willing to make the investment. The Clarion Angelfish, Neptune Grouper, and Golden Basslet each come with their own unique care requirements and challenges, but their dazzling appearances and fascinating behaviors make them well worth the effort.

3 Most Expensive Freshwater Pet Fish: The Pricey Pearls of the Aquatic World

by James Book

Calling all fish enthusiasts and luxury aficionados! Have you ever wondered which freshwater pet fish reign supreme in the world of aquatic extravagance? Get ready to dive into the fascinating universe of the most expensive freshwater fish that can grace your aquarium. From rare colors to unique patterns, these aquatic gems will undoubtedly steal your heart (and maybe empty your wallet). So, without further ado, let’s explore the top 3 most expensive freshwater pet fish!

Platinum Arowana: The Holy Grail of Freshwater Fish

When it comes to the epitome of luxury, the Platinum Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) takes the crown. With its stunning silvery-white iridescence and mesmerizing elongated body, this rare beauty can fetch prices up to $400,000! Yes, you read that right!

Originating from the lush Amazon Basin, the Platinum Arowana is a result of a rare genetic mutation, making it one of the most sought-after fish among collectors. But beware, this aquatic marvel can grow up to 3 feet in length and requires a massive tank, not to mention a hefty budget for its care and feeding. For those who can afford this luxurious investment, the Platinum Arowana will undoubtedly be the shimmering centerpiece of your aquatic collection.

Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray: A Dazzling Work of Art

Next on our list of expensive freshwater pet fish is the enchanting Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi). With prices ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, this graceful creature is truly a living work of art.

Native to Brazil’s Xingu River, the Polka Dot Stingray captivates aquarists with its velvety black skin adorned with intricate white polka dots. But don’t let its beauty deceive you; this stingray can grow up to 18 inches in diameter and requires a sizable tank with a sandy substrate to thrive. Its specialized diet and sensitive nature demand an experienced and dedicated fishkeeper. For those up to the challenge, the Polka Dot Stingray will add an unparalleled touch of elegance to your aquarium.

Zebra Plecostomus: The Striped Sensation

Rounding out our list of most expensive freshwater pet fish is the striking Zebra Plecostomus (Hypancistrus zebra). Affectionately known as the “Zebra Pleco,” this Brazilian native can cost anywhere between $250 and $600 per fish.

The Zebra Pleco’s alluring black and white stripes, combined with its relatively small size (up to 4 inches), make it a favorite among aquarists. However, its beauty comes at a cost, as the Zebra Pleco is an endangered species due to habitat loss and over-collection. As a result, export from Brazil is restricted, driving up the price and demand for captive-bred specimens.

Zebra Plecos are nocturnal creatures, requiring hiding spots and a peaceful environment to thrive. With the proper care and attention, these striped sensations will add a touch of intrigue and sophistication to your underwater realm.

These three luxurious freshwater pet fish are the epitome of aquatic opulence, making them the perfect addition to any high-end collection. While their price tags may be steep, the Platinum Arowana, Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray, and Zebra Plecostomus offer unrivaled beauty and uniqueness to those willing to make the investment. So, if you’re ready to indulge in the world of extravagant fishkeeping, these stunning specimens will undoubtedly make a splash in your aquarium.

How to Breed Pet Fish for Profit: A Fun and Fishy Adventure

by James Book

Ever gazed into your aquarium and thought, “What if I could turn my love for fishkeeping into a profitable venture?” Well, you’re in luck! Breeding pet fish for profit is an exciting and rewarding journey that combines passion, knowledge, and a little entrepreneurial spirit. In this fun, informative, and vivid guide, we’ll dive into the world of fish breeding and explore how you can turn your hobby into a thriving business. Let’s swim into the details!

Step 1: Choose Your Fishy Stars

The first step in breeding pet fish for profit is selecting the right species. Some popular choices for beginners include guppies, platies, mollies, and bettas. These fish are hardy, colorful, and reproduce easily, making them ideal for novice breeders. Research each species’ breeding habits, care requirements, and market demand to make an informed decision. Remember, the more desirable and rare the fish, the higher the potential profit.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Love Nest

Fish won’t breed just anywhere—they need the right environment. Set up a separate breeding tank with optimal water parameters, temperature, and hiding spots for the fish to feel comfortable and secure. For example, guppies love densely planted tanks, while bettas require individual breeding containers to avoid aggression. Pay close attention to each species’ unique requirements to create the ultimate love nest for your aquatic stars.

Step 3: Woo Your Fish with a Delectable Diet

A nutritious diet is key to encourage breeding behavior and ensure healthy offspring. Feed your fish high-quality, protein-rich foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. A varied diet will not only entice your fish to breed, but also provide essential nutrients for developing fry. Keep in mind that some fish, such as bettas, may require special conditioning diets to trigger their breeding instincts.

Step 4: Witness the Magic of Fish Romance

Once you’ve set the stage for romance, keep an eye on your fish to ensure successful mating. Each species has its own courtship rituals and breeding behaviors. For example, guppies engage in a colorful and energetic mating dance, while bettas build intricate bubble nests to woo their partners. Be patient and observant, as the fishy romance may take a few days or even weeks to unfold.

Step 5: Care for Your Fintastic Babies

Congratulations, you have baby fish! Now, it’s time to provide optimal care for your fry. Separating the fry from the adult fish is crucial, as many species may nibble on their young. Feed your fry specially formulated diets such as powdered fish food, infusoria, or baby brine shrimp to ensure healthy growth. Maintain optimal water quality, perform regular water changes, and monitor the fry’s development closely.

Step 6: Market Your Aquatic Treasures

Once your fish are healthy and mature, it’s time to find them new homes. Research local pet stores, aquarium clubs, and online marketplaces to sell your fish. Social media is a powerful tool for showcasing your aquatic treasures and connecting with potential buyers. Offer competitive prices and be prepared to negotiate. Don’t forget to share your knowledge, tips, and personal experiences to establish yourself as an authoritative breeder.

Breeding pet fish for profit is an exciting and rewarding way to turn your passion into a business. By selecting the right species, providing optimal care, and marketing your fish effectively, you can create a thriving enterprise. It’s time to embark on your fishy adventure and make a splash in the world of fish breeding!

Beautiful Fish Pictures – My Favorite Images from YouTube: Volcano Filter #2

by James Book

I still come back to watch this video a lot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdCOvPg5k3Q

If you’ve ever come across this video, you probably do too… judging by the view count.

This is why I got into fishkeeping right here. This vibe. Just some fishies and shrimpies doing their thing to some chill music. I love it.

Some of the videography and images of the fish and plants by Foo the Flowerhorn are breathtaking. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite highlights from the video:

Ready to start – so much potential!

Raw materials are ready – it’s go time

Assembled! You can see the algae on the volcano rock already

The view from below

Supervisor on duty

Nice closeup of the Azolla, with some Duckworth in between

Nerite going for a climb

Self explanatory 😉

The miracle of life, part 1. If you look carefully you can see the amano shrimp breeding

The miracle of life continues

One of the amano shrimp now going for a climb, and nearing the summit!

Amano shrimp eating the Azolla

Another beautiful shot of the shrimp making off with the Azolla

Look at their guilty faces. Hilarious!

With most of the azolla and duckworth eaten by the shrimp, Ricciocarpos Natans is introduced

And a lovely shot of the ricciocarpos natans from the side

That silly Nerite is at it again!

The new ember tetras and cherry shrimp are checking out their new home

Amazing view of the ember tetras

And great closeup of a cherry shrimp

New plakat betta fish added to the mix after 10 days

And getting friendly with the cherry shrimp!

Absolutely beautiful finished tank (with no CO2 and no fertilizers!)

Pet Fish that Don’t Need a Filter

by James Book

It’s almost a cardinal rule in the fish keeping hobby to have a good filtration system running to keep the fish healthy and alive at all times. At the same time, there will always be exceptions to such rules. As hard to believe as it is, there are some fishes of fish that could thrive for long periods of time without the use of conventional aquarium filtration systems.

Before anything else, a disclaimer; Fishes, like all living things, need oxygen to survive. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to toxic ammonia, nitrates and nitrites could endanger the health and well-being of any fish. However, through years and years of evolution and adaptation, by biological and/or physiological design, some fish are able to thrive in environments some others cannot survive. Today, we will discuss fishes that could thrive without filtration systems. However, please note that we would still have to recommend keeping a good filtration to provide healthier living conditions for the fish.

Is it really possible? Well, according an article written by National Geographic, there are fish that have evolved to sustain life even outside of water. These fish, have either stayed the same or have evolved throughout the years. Either way these fishes have developed the ability to breathe from the air outside of the water and in environments other fish would not be able to.

For us to know what fish could thrive in an aquarium without a filtration system, first, we need to know what a system does. Generally, most filtration system works both mechanically and biologically. The mechanical part takes solid waste and keeps them out of the tank by trapping them in less permissive media such as polyester wool. On the other hand, the biological side converts toxic byproducts of decay to less toxic chemicals. These byproducts being ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. While ammonia and nitrite is extremely toxic to fishes, nitrate, the byproduct of the nitrogen cycle is only toxic to fish upon exposure to very high amounts in long periods of time. Lastly, the movement created through the filtration system also gives crucial oxygen in the water in order for the fish to be able to breathe.

Now what kind of fish will be able to survive tanks without filters? We have two main characteristics that would help us narrow down which fish could survive such environments. These are the following:

Biological adaptation/evolution
Overall hardiness

Adaptation/Evolution

Biological adaptation and/or evolution, as mentioned a while ago, gives some fishes a coping mechanism in order to survive in an environment where what a filter does is not present. These changes in the fishes’ physiology and/or biology may come in the form of them being able to breathe from the surface or their bodies being able to produce mucus to shield them from the toxicity of some chemicals.

Overall hardiness

Aside from being able to adapt well to different environments, since aquarium tanks without filtration are generally not suitable environments for fish to thrive in, fishes that we are looking for must be able to handle such stress. Hence, they should be more hardy and tolerant of such environments than other fish.

Now that we have narrowed down our search by knowing what would be the cause of not having a filter and by using our two main characteristics a fish should have, here are the survivors!

Gourami

An Anabantoid or more commonly know as labyrinth fish the many different kinds of Gouramis have evolved to be able to breathe air from the surface of the water. They do this through the help of their labyrinth organ which takes oxygen from the surface of the water to their bloodstream. Without dissolved oxygen, which is another byproduct of a filter, a fish will usually die. However, with the presence of its labyrinth organ the Gourami will be able to survive.

Also, Gouramis are known to be very hardy. They are amongst the fish that are recommended for beginners. Indeed, Gouramis have a good chance of surviving waters without filtration.

Betta

Yet another Anabamtoid or Labyrinth fish, the Betta or more famously known as the Fighting Fish, is like the Gourami because it could also breathe through taking air from the surface of the water.

What makes the Betta more suitable to aquarium without filter is how they are bred and kept. For decades, Bettas have been bred and kept in very small tanks tanks without filtration. Because of this, the Betta might have already adapted to conditions wherein the benefits of a filtration system are not present.

Lastly, as a mostly solidary fish, its lack of tolerance of fish of the same kind makes it less likely to be kept with other fish. Since it is alone, it would produce less waste than a normal small community of fish. With less fish comes less waste and a lesser need for a filtration system naturally follows.

Mudskipper

These species of gobies are one of the most unique fishes in the entire animal kingdom. They are considered as “amphibious fishes” due to their ability to thrive outside of water. As a matter of fact, mudskippers are known to spend parts of their days outside of water. They are able to do this through their skin and their mouth like most amphibians. However, they need to be moist to be able to do this.

This extreme adaptability to thrive on both land and water also gives the mudskipper extreme hardiness since they are able to tolerate such conditions. Thus, the Mudskipper is one fish that could thrive in tanks without filters.

Lungfish

If there’s one fish that we’d bet on surviving tanks without filters, it is the mighty Lungfish! Lungfish, as their name suggests, have very complex lungs that enable them to breathe air and get oxygen even when not underwater. This complex characteristic of the Lungfish enables them to survive months outside of the water.

They are also able to cover their body with mucus for protection especially in times of drought when they burrow themselves under thick mud. This mucus membrane could also serve as their food for such times of hibernation since they are able to consume them while they slow down their metabolism.

Lastly, the most important yet interesting thing about lungfish is that this characteristic have been present for thousands of years. Hence, as weird as it seems, perhaps it is the lack of evolution that enables the lungfish to survive such dire environments. They are extremely hardy since they have remained unchanged for thousands of years. Indeed, the Lungfish is the ultimate Unfiltered-SURVIVOR!

4 Aquarium Fish to Breed for Profit

by James Book

2021 update: With most of the world still in some form of lockdown, more people are filling their homes with pets to help them feel less lonely. This has increased the demand for all pets across the board, including pet fish. And with global supply chains under additional stress from the pandemic, many fish distributors are looking to source more locally. Meaning now is a great time to start. So enjoy this updated article for 2021.

Breeding fish for profit may sound like a daunting task, but I assure you it’s not only incredibly rewarding, but also a great way to make some extra pocket money from your favorite hobby. You could make enough to be profitable and have your hobby pay for itself. Some people take it even further and turn it in to a full-blown business that pays their bills. To successfully breed for profit like that requires skill, commitment, knowledge, technique and maybe a little bit of luck of course! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves for now, and talk about the things to think about when just starting out.

Stay with me here. Knowing the easy fish to breed and how to breed them with minimal investment and resources will make all this make sense. And before anything else let’s set down a few characteristics a potential breeder should look for in picking a fish to breed. These characteristics will help us narrow down our selection and come up with the most viable options when it comes to breeding ornamental fish.

Ease of Breeding
Number of Spawn and Survival Rate
Frequency of Spawning
Value of Fish

Ease of Breeding

Like any other animals, fishes breed differently. While almost all of them lay eggs, the process of courting mates to fertilizing eggs may differ from one fish to another. Also, when it comes to rearing their fry, there are a plethora of ways on how fish go about it. For example, some fish are mouth brooders while others make nests.

We have to greatly consider the ease of breeding because it will allow us to know which fishes would render a higher success rate when it comes to breeding. Since this is the backbone of the industry we are trying to penetrate, a fish that is easy to breed will be more favorable than another which may be complicated.

Number of Spawn and Survival Rate

The amount of fish per spawning and their survival rate is also very important when breeding for profit. Simply put, the more fish that is produced, the more income it generates.

If fish are more likely to survive from being a fry to a juvenile, then they are more likely to be sold for profit. Even if a fish is easy to breed, if it does not have a good survival rate and a good number of fries produced upon spawning, then it would not be as profitable. Hence, these fish should breed in good numbers and are have a high survivability rate.

Frequency of Spawning

The frequency of spawning is another very important aspect to consider when looking for the best fish to breed for profit. A fish that breeds frequently would produce more juvenile fishes in the same time than one that does not. This helps maximize the profit of the breeder. Furthermore, it also helps to provide the breeder with a more consistent supply of fish to sell rather than only being able to profit occasionally.

Value of Fish

Lastly, the value of the actual fish is also a very important thing to consider. A fish might be able to breed extremely well but if it does not sell for much, then it will most likely, not be able to sustain the accumulated expense of breeding them. More so, since we are breeding for profit, a fish that just covers its own expenses would obviously not be profitable. Thus, we should look for fish that have a rather high market value.

Now that we have our four main characteristics that we should look for upon selecting which are the best fishes to breed for profit, let’s check out the top 4 best fish to breed for profit:

Fancy Guppies

fancy guppy One of the all-time favorite fish in the hobby, guppies are very easy to take care of and will always be popular amongst fish keepers. According to Maddy Hargrove of Tropical Fish Keeping Magazine, guppies are very easy to breed. She also said that guppies breed rapidly. Guppies usually give birth to around 20-40 fish per litter. They may be kept with a ration of about 1 male to 4 females. That would amount to roughly 160 fish per liter. Couple that with a very short spawning cycle, you would have a ton of guppies per year!

Although at first, one might think that guppies are quite inexpensive fish, there is a difference between an ordinary guppy and a fancy guppy. A fancy guppy is a selectively bred guppy that display extremely beautiful coloration, pattern and fins. A Blue Moscow guppy is priced at around 40-100 dollars!

The guppy makes our list because it is very easy to breed and is very valuable! Probably the biggest bang for the buck!

Fresh Water Stingrays

freshwater stingray In Thailand, one of the worlds biggest ornamental fish exporters, backyard fresh water stingray breeding has boomed. Hundreds of backyard breeders have successfully produced species of South American fresh water stingrays.

Although most would say that keeping stingrays are quite hard, it is actually very straight forward. Just make sure the filtration system is sufficient, the rays are well fed and that they are given ample room to swim, they will thrive.

More so, breeding stingrays are quite simple as well. They breed naturally at around 1 year and a half of age and will continue to do so for up to over 20 years. They would breed twice to four times per year while the amount of pups (small stingrays) can range from 4 to at most of 18.

What sets the stingray apart is its value. The cheapest they go fo is around 50-100 USD while the more expensive rays are known to be sold for over 20,000 USD. The value of these awesome animals, and their longevity is one of the most appealing characteristic they have for breeders. Indeed, for the monster fish keeper, breeding a fresh water stingray would be very profitable.

Platy Fish

platy fish Yet another fish for beginners, Platys are almost always a staple in a beginner’s community aquarium. They are very colorful and very peaceful towards other fish. Breeding platys are very easy. Actually according to Robert Brand of Aquarium Tidings, Platys take care of breeding on their own.

They would readily breed in a good sized tank while breeding requirements does not usually differ from normal tanks. The only consideration one must keep in mind is to keep a ration of around 3-4 females for every male. The males usually try to breed females all the time and keeping more females around the males would render more pregnant females.

Being live bearers, Platys give birth to their fry instead of hatching them from eggs. This helps ease the survivability of the spawn since most fries are already well formed upon birth.

Although the value of the platy is not that high, the sheer amount of fish that can be produced more than makes up for their lack of market value. Also, they are always in demand since a lot beginners buy them. Indeed, the platy is one of the first options suitable for all potential fish breeders!

Fancy Betta

betta fish Bettas are one of the most captive bred ornamental fishes in the world. They are “mass-produced” in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. This is because it does not take much to breed Bettas. They can be bred very easily because they can thrive in very simple tank set ups. As a matter of fact, a lot of Bettas are bred in milk bottles across Asia!

Fancy Bettas are fish selectively bred overtime to display desirable coloration and finnage. Their market value is exponentially higher than what people usually see available in pet stores. However, since they are basically the same fish, their breeding patterns are the same.

Generally, males build bubble nests once they are ready to spawn. The female then releases her eggs on the nest for the male to fertilize. Once they are fertile, the male will take care of the spawn until they are free swimming. There are around 20-40 fishes per clutch.

For it’s simplicity to breed, a fancy Betta could net quite a high market value. According to Leonard Ho of AdvancedAquarist.com, the most expensive fancy Betta sold was bought for 1,500 dollars at an auction. Although that is an unusually high value for a betta, fancy bettas are often sold at around 50-100 dollars. Imagine having an armada of easily bred Bettas producing fish that sell at that amount! Ka-Ching!

Top 10 Most Unusual Aquariums

by James Book

Since the 1800’s people have been keeping fish inside transparent containers whether to observe, study or just plain appreciate them. We’ve since came to have known these containers as aquariums. After centuries of innovation, creativity and everything in-between, people have come with a plethora of ideas on how to take their aquariums to the next level!

We’ve seen some amazing display tanks throughout the world and now, we’ve narrowed down our search for the Top 10 Most unusual aquariums around the world!

Fish N’ Flush

toilet fish tank

The Fish N’ Flush aquarium is one of the most unusual aquariums we’ve ever seen. It incorporates a full 2.2-gallon fish tank into a flushing system that would fit almost any traditional toilet bowl. The tank comes with a built in under gravel filtration system and pumps. You just have to bolt on this unusual fish tank to your toilet, add gravel, water and fish! It’s very easy to use and is very “out of the box”, or “out of the tank”!

Indeed, having fishes staring at you while you are busy doing your business is an unusual and weird experience all together. It would still be very easy to maintain since it will most likely be placed in your toilet room where water source and a water drain won’t be a problem. Oh and don’t worry, no fish will be flushed down the toilet using this tank!

John Marcus’ 10,000-Gallon Monster Tank

Veteran monster fish keeper John Marcus’ 10,000-gallon fish tank is one of the most impressive yet unusual fish tanks ever built by a fish keeper. Named “The House of Sam”, this monster tank houses 2 Arapaimas, one of the biggest fresh water fish in the world. They are named Sam and Samantha.

This colossal tank is 26 feet long, 12.5 feet wide and over 7 feet deep. It weighs a whopping 198,000 lbs! It carries 10,000 gallons of water! It is one of the, if not the, biggest privately owned fresh water aquarium in the United States of America.

If it’s sheer size isn’t enough to impress, it houses over 100 species of monstrous fresh water fish amounting to over 50,000 dollars. Keeping a couple of Arapaimas is indeed an unusal thing to do! Keeping them in an aquarium as large as your garage, in your own garage, is just plain insane!

Largest ADA Nature Aquarium

ADA Nature Aquarium and team Sensei Takashi Amano, founder of ADA (Aqua Design Amano) Nature Aquariums is known for his unusual yet unique tank designs which focuses on aqua-scaping that depicts images of untouched nature. His beautiful aqua-scapes focuses more on design, perspective, plants and soils over fish and other animals. His makes aquariums look like masterpiece artworks or paintings of a scenes that are very serene yet dynamic.

Inside the Ocenario Lisboa in Portugal, lies the worlds largest “Nature Aquarium”. It’s 40 meters long, 2 and a half meters wide and 1 and a half meters deep containing around 160 tons of water.

What sets this tank apart aside from it’s sheer size is the amount of creativity and “zen” involved in its construction. Each rock, plant and moss are meticulously placed at specific locations to represent something. They did no

Shark Tank / Gator Tank

Featured in an episode of Animal Planet’s hit show “Tanked”, Missy and Phil’s Gator and Shark tank is one of the most unusual and unique tanks they’ve ever created. It is a 10-foot long tank which is divided in two. On one side, there are sharks, rays, skates and other large fish. On the other side, it is a well built vivarium that houses a few baby alligators.

This unique design offers the best of both worlds! Aptly called the “Predator Tank”, it showcases both apex predators from each of their respective areas in the water. Although it’s next to impossible to see these animals side by side in the wild, in captivity they made it a possibility. These are definitely not recommended pets for beginner fishkeepers!

The seamless design of the tank is a wonder to see. They made it seem that the sharks and gators are in the same waters. Indeed, it’s one of the most impressive tanks ever built.

Blues Angels Drum Kit Tank

Another impressive feat by ATM from Animal Planet’s Tanked show, Blues Angel Music shop’s Drum Kit Tank is yet another unusual tank created by ATM that made it to our list!

They converted an 8-piece Yamaha drum set into 8 different fully functional tanks complete with lights, filtration and fish. Another impressive feat that this tank can boast of is how the “drum-tanks” are all stocked differently. Some are stocked with fresh water fishes like goldfish and gouramis while some are stocked with salt water favorites like the Blue Tangs and Clownfish.

If that does not blow the roof off, then perhaps the fact that it is still a fully playable and functional drum set will. Being able to enjoy music and fishes at the same time? Now that’s a bang!

World’s Smallest Tank

smallest fish tank Holding only 2 teaspoons of water, Anatoly Konenko’s miniature tank is the smallest functional fish tank in the world. How small is it? This tiny glass tank is 30mm long, 14mm wide and 24mm high. That’s just about enough to hold 10ml of water.

It is fully furnished with very small pebbles and plants. It houses 2 very tiny zebra fish (probably one of the very few fish that would fit). It even comes equipped with a miniature fish net!

Konenko considers this tank as part of his “miniature art” collection. Now that’s a proof that good things, indeed, come in small packages!

Biggest Home Reef Tank

Somewhere in Wisconsin, Bill Wann, a Lab Equipment company CEO, built the biggest privately owned reef tank in North America. The tank is 24 feet long, 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep containing 20,000-gallons of salt water.

This tank, built and designed by Bill himself. He even designed and built the life support system for the tank. He made his own reverse osmosis system to his preference. The most impressive feat is his filtration system which he says runs through PVC pipes that is over 2 miles long.

If there’s a will there’s a way, and this man sure did it his way. With a severe case of being the ultimate DIY guy, Bill Wann built one of the most unique and unusual aquariums and built his house around it!

Skateboard Ramp Tank

With the risk of sounding redundant, here’s another tank made by ATM and was later featured in Animal Planet’s episode of Tanked! This time, the took it to the extreme. Literally!

The esteemed branding mogul “La Jolla Group”, which branded skateboarding products such as O’Neill commissioned ATM to build a tank for them, you know it’s going to be extremely unusual. The guys from ATM did not disappoint though. They were able to make a skateboard ramp tank! Yes! A freakin’ skateboard ramp! And f that’s not enough, they made a fully functional skateboard ramp tank which skateboarders can actually skate.

Making a curved tank the shape of a skate ramp is hard on it’s own. However, to be able to make the tank safely skate-able is just insane. Imagine the engineering required to make sure it’s structural integrity is up to par. Indeed, this tank is RAD!

AquaDom

Aquadom Located in between hotels in Berlin, Germany the “AquaDom” is the largest cylindrical aquarium in the world. It stands 25 meters tall with a diameter of 11 meters and holds over one million liters of water.

It is so huge that it has its own elevator inside which people can ride to have a different view of the aquarium. This aquarium is frequently visited by tourist and patrons of the nearby hotels.

This engineering marvel is one of the most inspiring, breathtaking, and yes, unusual aquariums in the world!

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom When you see the world “Oceanarium” you know it’s going to be big. But it does not get any bigger than this. Literally!

Located in China, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom or Chimelong Oceanarium, is the BIGGEST fish tank in the entire world. How big is it? Well, it houses the biggest fresh water fish in the world, the Whale Shark! It’s viewing panel alone is 39.6 meters long and 8.3 meters tall. The Chimelong Oceanarium boasts of a total of 12.87 million gallons of water!

It has set a total of 5 Guiness World Records including the largest aquarium viewing dome at 11 meters across.

If the goal of making an aquarium is putting a little bit of underwater nature in a tank, the Chimelong Oceanarium more than accomplished it. It literally placed large piece of the ocean inside an aquarium. One of the most impressive and unusual aquariums ever built!

I hope you enjoyed these amazing fish tanks! In the time it took me to post these, I’ve already seen a couple new ones that caught my eye. Let me know in the comments below if you’d like another post with more crazy tanks, or feel free to share any you’ve seen too!

Easiest Fishes to Keep – The best ones for beginners

by James Book

The degrees of difficulty when it comes to caring for aquarium fish species spans from extremely straightforward and simple to very complicated and meticulous. For example, there are some fish that are almost maintenance-free such as bettas, while there are some species, like fresh water stingrays, that cannot tolerate discrepancies and fluctuations with the water parameters.

Today, we will tackle the 4 easiest fish to keep. However, before we go through the different species of fish, we must first consider what makes a fish easy to keep. Here, we listed down 4 different characteristics we should consider before deciding if they are, indeed, easy to keep.

Hardiness
Temperament
Diet
Size

A hardy fish would be easier to keep than others because they are able to tolerate different water parameters. They can cope well with fluctuations on the water quality and chemistry. For example, strictly brackish water fish are out of the equation since the keeper should always consider the amount of salinity in the tank for the to thrive.

However, this is not the only thing we should consider in coming up with the easiest fishes to keep. A fish may be very hardy, but some require special attention when it comes to other aspects of the hobby. For example, Gars are extremely hardy but they need large aquariums and a carnivorous diet to thrive. Maintaining a 300-gallon aquarium is not as easy as maintaining your usual 25-gallon tank.

We should also consider the temperament or their aggression towards other fish. Simply put, a fish constantly terrorizing its tank mates does not make things easier for any fish keeper. Thus, we should keep in mind that, for a fish to be easily kept, it must play well with others and are peaceful towards other fish.

Diet is also a big consideration when it comes to ease of care. There are fish that are strictly herbivores, carnivores or even insectivores. Such special considerations will not make life easier for any fish keeper because sourcing and storing those kinds of meals for their fish tends to be more tedious than feeding them with commercially available fish pellets or flakes.

Lastly, the maximum size of an adult fish must always be considered. It must be small enough to be able to fit comfortably in most commercially available aquariums. A big fish will obviously need a big tank, which would not make things easier for any fish keeper.

So now that we have an idea on which characteristics we are looking for, we can sift through hundreds and thousands of different fish species until we are able to narrow down our search to the 4 easiest fish to keep:

ZEBRA DANIO/ ZEBRA FISH (Danio rerio)

The Zebra Danio or Zebra Fish, is a very hardy fish from Central Asia that can thrive very well in various environments. According to Fish Keeping Advice, due to years and years of being bred in captivity, the Zebra Danio can now adapt to almost every fresh water aquarium set-up. Furthermore, what sets this fish apart, is how well they can thrive in a wide variety of temperatures. They are one of the very few species of fish that can easily adjust between temperate to tropical waters.

They are very social and would generally prefer to school in groups of 5 or more. They are never known to bother other tank mates even when breeding.

These fish are also never fussy when it comes to feeding. They would eat anything that they can fit in their little mouths.

Lastly, they are extremely small, only growing to a maximum of 2”, which means a small group of danios could even fit the smallest commercially sold aquariums.

Over the years, the Zebra Danio have solidified their reputation as one of the easiest fishes to take care of. Thanks to their small size, no fuss diet, and their ability to easily adapt to various environments, the Zebra Danio makes our list as one of the easiest fishes to take care of.

SWORDTAIL (Xiphophorous hellerii)

Swordtails are definitely one of the easiest species of fish to take care of. According to an article by The Aquarium Guide, Swordtails are extremely hardy because, in the wild, they can tolerate diverse environments.

When it comes to their temperament, they are one of the most social fishes out there. They are never aggressive and like the company of other fish.

Being naturally omnivores, Swordtails also readily accept commercially available fish food such as fish flakes and small fish pellets. They would also accept other food such as insect larvae, bloodworms, and even algae.

Swordtails are also a small species. Their common length is only 1.1” and could potentially grow to a maximum length of around 5 inches. Even if 5” seems to be “too big” for our purpose, we should also take into consideration that the length of their “sword” part of the tail, which is around the same as the length of their bodies are included in that computation. Thus, the actual size of the fish is still small enough to fit most commercially available aquariums.

Like a dash of cayenne pepper, the Swordtail is sure to add a little spice to any aquarium. They are small, hardy, social and are not hard to feed. Caring for swordtails is virtually as straightforward as it gets. Hence, the swordtail is one of the easiest fishes to take care of.

PLATY (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Like their cousin, the Swordtail, Platies are amongst the easiest fishes to take care of. They are just as hardy as Swordtails and, as a bonus, they come in almost every color and pattern imaginable. Some even have Mickey Mouse markings on their tails!

Platies are very good tank mates as well. They tolerate other fish very well and won’t mind sharing the tank with them.

When it comes to their diet, they are generally omnivorous. They would readily eat commercially available fish flakes and pellets. However, when choosing the proper food for them, always keep in mind that they would prefer products with algae content to keep their herbivorous sides happy.

Male Platies usually grow to no more than 1.5” while females reach 2.5” upon adulthood. A good number of these fish will fit comfortably in most aquariums commercially produced.

What sets the Platy apart from other fish which are also easy to take care of is the amount of variety they have. Imagine a fish catering to your wants and needs even in terms of looks and colors. Now that’s making life easy!

DWARF GOURAMI (Trichogaster lalius)

With a bright shade of red sunset orange, and iridescent blue, the Dwarf Gourami is certainly one of the most beautiful species of fish you will ever see. What makes this fish even more appealing is how hardy they are. Being labyrinth fishes, they are able to survive even in oxygen depleted waters, since they are able to breath directly from the surface. This also means that the lack of dissolved oxygen in the water, which usually causes death to most fish, will not bother them at all.

The Dwarf Gourami is often described as a very shy species of fish. Like most species of Gourami, they are very docile towards their tank mates and would not torment them.

They are food guzzlers as well. They would take either algae-based or meat/fish-based processed food in a heartbeat. Their eating habits makes feeding them a breeze.

The Dwarf Gourami only grows up to 2” in length. Being the perennial “dwarves” of their family, makes them suitable tank mates to fish of the same size. They would fit in very well in small aquariums and could live the rest of their lives there comfortably.

Being beautiful, hardy, docile and small, the Dwarf Gourami is one of the most appealing fish to take care of. Both novice and experienced fish keepers will have fun in keeping this no-fuss fish in their tanks.

8 Easy Steps to Start a Healthy Reef Tank

by James Book

Starting a reef tank usually scares a lot of people. Sometimes, people think it’s easy to find “Nemo” but it’s hard to take a little piece of the ocean home for him to swim in. While setting up reef tanks could be quite meticulous at times, it could be made a lot easier if you know what to look for and what to do. Need help? Then here it is, the 8 easy steps to start a healthy reef tank!

1. Research

Research! Research! Research! People say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In any hobby, starting out by researching the ins and outs before starting out is, indeed, a wonderful first step.

Since this is the first, and probably the most important step, it’s extremely crucial to know that before you dive in the colorful and world of reef keeping, you must first gather all of the knowledge you could gather before starting out. In this step, you should be able to have at least a general idea about the reef keeping hobby. Specifically speaking, you must be able to have an idea which fishes and corals to keep, how big of a tank, the nitrogen cycle, basic filtration and what not.

This step may be accomplished by reading books, magazines, online articles and joining various social groups over the internet to be able to intercept as much knowledge and ideas as you can. Just remember that there will always be room for new things to learn and a little help. Also, by reading this article, it’s safe to assume that, at the very least, you’ve taken your first step! In other words, in any battle, preparation is always the key!

Lastly, take note that you will be constantly coming back to this step countless times in the entire process of reef keeping.

2. Picking your Aquarium

Now that you’ve done your homework on the general principles of reef keeping, it’s time to pick your aquarium. For starters, I would recommend something not bigger than 50 gallons. Although some would argue that bigger is always better, such is not always the case. The bigger the tank, the higher the overhead expense and the more maintenance it would entail and such tasks could be daunting to someone who’s just getting their foot in reef keeping.

In picking your aquarium, make sure the size suits the fish and corals you are planning to keep. Furthermore, you have to make sure that it fits perfectly to the area of the house you would want to place it.

The dimensions of the tank matter as well. Some corals and fish dwell on different levels of the water with preference to varying amount of water movement. Having different levels to a tank through making the total height a bit higher would help achieve this but it would also make siphoning dirt from the bottom a bit harder. You should keep all of these into consideration and let them factor in upon deciding which tank to get.

Ultimately, the size and orientation of the tank will limit which species you could keep. Other than deciding which fish fits a tank, I would suggest that you work the other way around and have an idea which species you would like to keep then tailor fit a tank that would best suit them. Another good choice are tanks with built-in filtration systems or “All in One” (AIO) tanks.

3. Filtration System

One of the most integral part of the fish keeping hobby is a proper and efficient filtration system. For this part, although some external filters could help, the most common filtration system we prefer is the SUMP filter. This allows countless modifications and enough space for different types of filtration media. You could even assign a chamber for your protein skimmer so that it would not be placed anywhere within the tank itself.

In setting up a filtration system, make sure it moves at least 300% of the total aquarium water volume per hour. If you have a 50-gallon tank, the filtration system should be able to accommodate 150 gallons per hour. What this means is that the tank’s entire water volume can circulate and pass through the filtration system at least 3 times ever hour. This helps the filtration media treat any impurities on your water which in turn makes it efficient in what it does.

4. Accessories

While there will be essential accessories for every reef tank, in this section we will cover everything that you may or may not need. We will be dividing this section into a few sub-section so that you will find it easier to learn about each product. It would be very helpful if you could source these products first before setting up your tank. Having these products at hand upon set-up could make the process infinitely easier.

a) Aquarium Light

In reef keeping, lighting is very essential. There is a specific spectrum of light that helps fish and corals grow and display their vivid colorations. In picking the proper lighting equipment, make sure to take the depth of the tank in consideration as not all lighting products penetrate water the same way. Furthermore, different species of both fish and corals may need different lighting needs.

b) Wave Maker

Just like lighting, fish and corals prefer different water movement patterns. The wave maker, as it’s name suggests, mimics the movement of water, or waves, in your aquarium. There are fish and corals that prefer strong currents while there are some that prefer more to none. The placement of this accessory is also essential. You could place the wave maker near the species that prefer high current and place the others that doesn’t on parts where it does not flow directly.

c) Protein Skimmer

Also a staple, in not just reef tanks, but salt water tanks in general, protein skimmers remove impurities such as protein deposits from the surface of the water. Although there are protein skimmers that may be hanged from the tank, a better option is one that fits right in your SUMP or other filtration system. Having a protein skimmer right on a display tank may be unsightly at times, so it’s better to have it hidden somewhere near the filtration system. Lastly, make sure that the protein skimmer is rated for the size of your tank and the amount of live animals you would be keeping.

d) Water Test Kit

Testing your water often helps assure you that your water parameters are conducive to life. Reef animals are sometimes very picky with water parameters. Having a water test kit on hand will help you monitor the levels of important chemicals in your tank.

This would be very essential down the road when you are cycling your tank. It would help you gauge if your tank is ready for its residents!

e) Refractometer

Another essential tool in salt water fish keeping, the refractometer is a tool that measures the salinity, or amount of salt, in the water. Having a refractometer is very handy because some reef animals will not tolerate discrepancies in salinity levels. Whether you are mixing your own salt water or buying pre-mixed solutions, it’s always good to check if the salinity is within the range of what your animals would like.

f) Glass Cleaner

Due to intense lighting needs of reef animals, algae buildup is hard to control in salt water tanks. Having a glass cleaner cleanly tucked by your tank is a sure way to help you keep your glass clean and enjoy your wonderful piece of the sea,

g) Fish Net

The fish net is one of the most often used tool in any aquarium. Whether it’s moving fish or removing unwanted things from the tank, you will surely use your fish net frequently.

h) Water Siphon

Having a water siphon ready is always helpful for any reef keeper. This helps you suck water out of the tank especially during water changes. Regular water hoses work but an aquarium water siphon helps reduce the risk of spills, accidentally vacuuming sand and of course, drinking aquarium water!

i) Heater/Chiller

Lastly, depending where your are around the world and the types of animal you would want to keep, having a heater or chiller on hand is essential to your success as a reef keeper. Animals are very temperature sensitive and you have to provide them with the optimal living conditions for them to thrive.

5. Live Rocks/Sand

Although it is a possibility to opt for non-live rocks and/or substrates, having live rock and sand helps the reef a lot. First and foremost, having “live” rocks and sand helps the cycling (to be discussed in detail later) process to be faster allowing you to add fish and coral easier and safer. Furthermore, adding live rocks and sands, will introduce good bacteria and other chemicals to the water that would help make living conditions more suitable for reef animals.

However, in sourcing your live rocks and/or sand, you must always keep in mind, that the live rock and/or sand you are getting must be free of unwanted parasites and chemicals that could be harmful to our pets and our aquatic system in general. Hence, make sure your get them only from reputable retailers.

6. Water

What’s a fish without water? Water is just as crucial as the fish themselves. Now in keeping a reef tank, water need is not as simple. We need salt water. To be specific, we need water that matches the salinity needs of the animals we want to keep.

There are two ways to achieve this, one is buying a “salt mix” or a powdered product we mix with water to get “sea water” while the other is by buying pre-mixed salt water. Both ways are effective and have their very own pro’s and cons.

Mixing your own salt water helps you be more hands on and specific on your salinity. However, it will be hard to correct and if you make mistakes in the mixing process and make your salinity too high.

On the other hand, buying pre-mixed solution, provided they match the salinity that of what you want. If there are discrepancies with the salinity of the pre-mixed solution and the need of the animals, it might not be able to provide the right conditions for your pets to thrive in.

Either way, if done right, should be good for you and your pets. Again, I will reiterate the importance of your refractometer so that you could always check if the salinity levels are right.

7. Cycling your Tank

Now that the tank is ready, there is water and the filtration system is running, you are thinking that the only thing left to do is to add fish right? Wait just a little more! In this step, patience is the difference between success and failure.

Now what Is Water Cycling? Without going in too much details, Water Cycling is basically waiting for your entire aquarium system to mature so that it can support animal life. Ammonia, and Nitrite are byproducts of any organic waste and they are extremely deadly to both corals and fish. However, there are beneficial bacterias that converts the said byproducts to the less toxic Nitrate.

When we say “Cycling” and/or “Aquarium Maturity”, what this means is that we are able to have a good enough supply the said beneficial bacteria within primarily the biological medias of our filtration system to be able to convert such byproducts from the organic waste our fish will produce. In other words, prior to putting in fish, we need to “seed” our filters with a lot of beneficial bacteria. This could be done through either 2 ways. First is the natural cycling method, that could last for weeks or months, where we let nature run it’s course and let beneficial bacteria naturally propagate within our system. Secondly, we could seed our filtration system with products that contain live beneficial bacteria. These are ready made solutions that you just have to add to your water. This helps the cycling process go faster.

In this process, the end result must be zero Ammonia and Nitrite and below 40ppm Nitrate. Such readings is known as “pristine water parameters” to achieve this, the tank must first be fully cycled. To be able to monitor this properly, having a water parameter test kit would be very handy.

8. Fish and Corals

Now that all is in place, running smoothly and fully cycled, the most exciting and fulfilling part starts! It’s time to add fish and corals! After carefully selecting fish, corals and other animals that could co-exist that fits perfectly within your system, sourcing them and adding them to your tank should be a breeze.

Just make sure you properly acclimate and quarantine them (if not sure about the source) before setting them free in your tanks. You would want to make sure they slowly adjust to the temperature and parameters inside your tank to avoid any problems upon release.

Now just have your high quality food ready for feeding times, your siphon for scheduled water changes and your commitment to routine to fully enjoy the wonderful and colorful world of reef tank keeping!