Topaz Cichlids are quite rare in the hobby and these are the first group I have seen on offer in a local shop, so needless to say, I snapped them up.
Cryptoheros Myrnae originates in Costa Rica and Panama in the rivers of the Atlantic slope. In the wild, they are listed as endangered and are on the IUCN Red List. This may well be a reason for their rarity in the trade.
Epistylis – Fish illness
Epistylis is a disease commonly found in aquarium fish. In many cases, it can easily be confused with White spot/Ich, or as a fungus, due to the visual effect it creates on the fish.
Epistylis is just as common in the aquarium as White spot and it most commonly occurs in new aquariums. But Epistylis is more deadly than White spot is.
Salt in the Aquarium
I have seen a lot of cases recently of advice being given to add Salt to Freshwater Aquariums. This has been given for various reasons, including as a remedy for illness.
But it seems that some fishkeepers are adding Salt to healthy freshwater Aquariums.
Why?
Aquarium Salt is often found for sale in Aquarium stores, and it is ultimately no different to the Salt you use on your dinner.
But Freshwater fish are not accustomed to Salt, in fact, in Freshwater rivers, there is very little to no Salt content at all. This means that many freshwater fish do not tolerate Salt in the Aquarium.
The Convict Cichlid
The Convict Cichlid is often described as the best starter Cichlid in the hobby.
There are loads of reasons why this is the case, they are robust, adaptable, and downright amusing most of the time.
Convicts are small, easy to keep, easy to feed and they are readily available in shops. It’s very rare to walk around an aquarium shop without seeing a convict or two.
Aquarium water changes
Aquarium water changes are vital to keeping a healthy aquarium and a very common question amongst new aquarists is, how often do I do a water change, and how much?
Unless you are lucky enough to have a tropical river running through your home, there is no escaping water changes if you want to keep a happy, healthy aquarium.
So in this article, I am going to cover the ins and outs of water changes, so that by the end of this you will understand why water changes are necessary and how to work out when you need to do them.
The best aquarium water conditioner
A common question amongst aquarists is, what is the best aquarium water conditioner?
A water conditioner is an essential part of keeping fish and there are loads on the market, but which one is the best?
Aquarium heaters – The basics
For those of you who have kept aquariums for a while. You will no doubt know enough about heaters.
But for those who are brand new to Tropical fish, you may have a few (or many) questions about them.
A little knowledge behind heaters is always useful, certainly if you’re just starting out.
DIY Python aquarium hose
Most aquarists with a larger aquarium(s) will have come across the Python water change hose system. This kit is great and it certainly saves a lot of the work of lifting buckets around. Plus it saves time too.
This bit of kit is a great idea, and I have considered buying one a few times, but never have.
The reason I haven’t bought on is that I use a similar system that cost a lot less than a Python aquarium hose does.
Running a Fish room
Running a Fish room is a dream for most aquarists. With this being such an addictive hobby, it can easily go from getting your first tank to having multiple tank syndrome very quickly.
The issue is that this hobby isn’t the cheapest. With external filters costing 100’s of pounds alone, there are running costs to consider too.
JBL Cristal Profi e1902 Review
For a while now I have been planning a filter upgrade. My main tank has been running on a Fluval FX5 for some time and it’s getting on a bit now.
The FX5 has done a great job, but its certainly time to modernise the filtration a little.
The natural choice would have been to get a new FX6, but I wanted to move away from these filters for a couple of reasons:
All Pond Solutions WM-6000 review – The power of this WM-6000 is perfect for my 5-foot aquarium and the flow of water is spot on to provide plenty of circulation, keeping my tank clean and the inhabitants happy.
I have tried it with and without the additional flow attachments. The attachments allow the wavemaker to produce a narrower flow of water. This means that the flow can be directed more precisely, rather than the wider stream produced without them.
Aquarium filter setup
Filter setup can seem relatively straight forward, with many filters arriving with pre-installed media. You may also think that as long as each type of media is somewhere in the filter, it will do its job. You would be right. But there are ways to make it far more effective.
Northfin Fish food
As a keeper of Cichlids, I have been familiar with Northfin foods for a while.
As a Fishkeeping enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-quality foods that contain what is best for my fish.
Northfin delivers this. They produce high-quality fish foods that are easily digested and provide all the nutrition that your fish need. On top of this, they are packed with natural colour enhancing ingredients to keep your fish looking at their best.
Aquarium air pumps – There is a common misconception that this air is adding oxygen to the water, it is, but not as it’s flowing upwards.
Gas exchange takes place at the surface of the water, so as the bubbles hit the surface and pop, it creates surface agitation. This adds oxygen to the water, and that is great for your fish.
Oxygen in the aquarium is vital, despite living underwater, fish need oxygen.
Nicrew LED lights – If you are looking for a new LED light for your aquarium, you have no doubt come across options from Nicrew. Nicrew have a range of LED’s available for aquariums of all sizes that are budget-friendly.
Ammonia Spike – There are many reasons why an ammonia spike can occur in your aquarium. One of the most common is that the tank is new and has not been cycled (If you have a newly setup aquarium and arent sure about cycling, give our short book a try, FREE on kindle).
Whatever the reason for the ammonia spike, it needs to be dealt with quickly. Ammonia is highly toxic, so it won’t be long until you find you have very ill or dead fish.
A video guide on maintaining aquarium plants from the experts at Tropica
Free fish food from nature – 2 videos from Marks aquatics and Mr Andy Woods on how you can cut feeding costs for your aquatic friends
The advantages of Tannins in the aquarium – the blackwater effect.
A review of the JBL brine shrimp hatchery and quick guide to feeding fish fry.
KaveMan Aquatics top 10 tips for keeping African Cichlids.
a review of Seachem Purigen – possibly the best filter media.
A video guide to using the API Master Test kit by KaveMan Aquatics.
A quick guide with a video tutorial on attaching moss to decorative wood or rock in the aquarium.
Top 3 tips from KaveMan Aquatics on how to get crystal clear aquarium water.
A video guide on how to breed Kribensis cichlids.
A video from Mr Andy Wodds on feeding monster cichlids.
A guide to regular aquarium maintenance.
Competition time – Enter to win an Eheim filter, heater and air pump!
A video guide to breeding Goldfish from Marks aquatics
A 1-week update on the dry start carpet from RJD Fish Tanks
A review of the Eheim pickup series of internal filters.
A 6-minute video from RJD Fish Tanks on the dry start method.
Aquarium vinyl backing fitting – how-to by RJD Fish Tanks
Cherry Shrimp care guide – an introduction to Cherry Shrimp in the aquarium.
Ramshorn snail – care guide. A short guide to Ramshorn snails in the aquarium
A review of the Eheim Thermocontrol heater range for fresh and saltwater aquariums.
How to make your own fish food – by @davescichlids.
Fishkeeping and mental health – can fish improve your mood?
Beginners guide to adding live plants to your aquarium
Seriously Fishy’s guide to shopping for your first tropical aquarium.
Green Aqua guide you step-by-step in how to build a nice nano aquascape. Aquarium setup from hardscape selection, through substrates and plant selection to the actual planting.
This video walks you through the build process from start to finish, showing you what products and plants we have used, and how to layout hardscape and plants to create an attractive design.
Refer to aquarium materials: 1. Aquarium Tank: – Aquarium 4.6 Gallon: https://amzn.to/2ZKeJDM Aquarium 5.4 Gallon: https://amzn.to/2ZLb1tn Aquarium Cube 7.1 Gallon: https://amzn.to/2SOCUzA Aquarium 9.6 Gallon: https://amzn.to/2st7wff Aquarium 17.1 Gallon: https://amzn.to/2Fg4KNa Aquatic substrate: – Aqua Soil Normal Type: https://amzn.to/35lyv9G Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum: https://amzn.to/3b5wIZY Aquarium Filter: – Fish Tank Filter: https://amzn.to/35fV0wZ Filter overflow: https://amzn.to/2ZMgwbj Matrix, High Capacity Biofiltration 2 L / 67.6 oz.(2-Pack): https://amzn.to/2rOsg0s Aquarium Lighting: – LED 24-84 inch : https://amzn.to/36wt1KA USA LED Light : https://amzn.to/2sJlYQ7 Aquarium Heater 100W/150W/200W/300W: https://amzn.to/2SPhuCu Aquarium Thermometer: https://amzn.to/2ueLtcE 4 IN 1 Tools Cleaning Kit for Fish Tank Starter: https://amzn.to/2svHAj7 or https://amzn.to/2ZMNFUh Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System: https://amzn.to/37sq2Dh
Water Testing – Checking Water Chemistry
Water chemistry is a key factor in keeping a healthy aquarium. I’ve seen many new starters looking for help online with aquarium issues over the years, only for them to then state that they don’t own a water testing set. If you’re new to aquariums then I can tell you that a testing kit is essential, never more so than at the start.
Even as an experienced aquarist with very mature aquariums, I still like to have a test kit handy for the occasional check. If for any reason you are unable to acquire a testing kit, any good aquarium shops will be happy to test your water for you, sometimes for a small fee, but if you’re lucky for free.
Herichthys Cichlids (Texas and Carpintis) identification and comparison with video from Mr Andy Woods.
A short welcome to Seriously Fishy – Aquarium forum and blog for all.
Cryptoheros Myrnae – The Topaz Cichlid – An endangered Cichlid
Topaz Cichlids are quite rare in the hobby and these are the first group I have ...
Epistylis – Fish illness
Epistylis - Fish illness Epistylis is a disease commonly found in aquarium fish. In many cases, it can easily be confused with White spot/Ich, or as a fungus...
Salt in the Aquarium – is it necessary?
Salt in the Aquarium I have seen a lot of cases recently of advice being given to add Salt to Freshwater Aquariums. This has been given for various reasons, ...
Aquarium water changes – How much? How often?
Aquarium water changes Aquarium water changes are vital to keeping a healthy aquarium and a very common question amongst new aquarists is, how often do I do ...
Aquarium heaters – The basics by Mr Brightfryed
Aquarium heaters - The basics For those of you who have kept aquariums for a while. You will no doubt know enough about heaters. But for those who are bra...
DIY Python aquarium hose – Easy water changes without forking out!
DIY Python aquarium hose Most aquarists with a larger aquarium(s) will have come across the Python water change hose system. This kit is great and it certain...
Running a Fish room the cheaper way – by Andy Woods
Running a Fish room Running a Fish room is a dream for most aquarists. With this being such an addictive hobby, it can easily go from getting your first tank...
Aquarium filter setup – for efficient filtration
Aquarium filter setup Filter setup can seem relatively straight forward, with many filters arriving with pre-installed media. You may also think that as long...
API Master test kit – Guide from KaveMan Aquatics
A video guide to using the API Master Test kit by KaveMan Aquatics.
Latest Activity
Chris became a registered member 3 days, 19 hours ago
James @Seriously Fishy wrote a new post, Cryptoheros Myrnae – The Topaz Cichlid – An endangered Cichlid 6 days, 19 hours ago
Cryptoheros Myrnae – The Topaz Cichlid
The Cryptoheros Myrnae or Topaz Cichlid has been on my wish list for quite some time now and I was recently amazed to find a group of 4 on offer at Scope Aquatics.
It is […]
James @Seriously Fishy wrote a new post, Epistylis – Fish illness 2 weeks ago
Epistylis – Fish illness
Epistylis is a disease commonly found in aquarium fish. In many cases, it can easily be confused with White spot/Ich, or as a fungus, due to the visual effect it creates on the […]
Kelly became a registered member 2 weeks, 5 days ago
James @Seriously Fishy wrote a new post, Salt in the Aquarium – is it necessary? 2 weeks, 6 days ago
Salt in the Aquarium
I have seen a lot of cases recently where advice is being given to add salt to freshwater aquariums. This has been given for various reasons, including as a remedy for illness.
But it […]