Freshwater

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is an aquarium malady that many hobbyists experience at some point in the aquarium hobby.  The parasite shows as a number of small white dots on the body of the fish that resemble grains of salt.  Ich, also called white spot, reproduces quickly and spreads readily.  If not treated, …

Mattenfilters have been around since the 1950s in one form or another.  They have adapted slightly here and there to newer technology and ideas but the same principal applies.  They are efficient and easy to maintain for a large number of tanks.  They make a great system to use in …

Raising earthworms is one of the easiest ways you can go green and reduce the amount of trash entering our landfills and water systems. Instead of throwing your kitchen scraps in the garbage can or down the sink disposal simply feed them to your worms! And if you enjoy gardening …

The Central Scene issue #7 is out now.  The Central Scene North and Central American Cichlid Keeping Magazine is filled with photographs and information for aquarium keepers interested in cichlids from that region of the world. New world cichlids offer a fascinating look into the aquarium hobby and the natural world.  This magazine pulls …

On the way back to Mexico City from a trip to the northern part of Mexico Dieter Duehring crossed the Poza Rica de Hidalgo in the Mexican state of Vera Cruz.  It is situated along the eastern edge of Mexico in the coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico. Dieter …

Here is a video a couple minutes long showing the crystal clear water of Caves Branch river in Belize.  We are uncertain who posted it but Milli Metern shared it on Vimeo.  Take a moment and watch these beautiful underwater scenes with tetras, cichlids, and more swimming around in their …

I was going to go out into the greenhouse and check on my plants to see how they fared with this cold night we had. Upon opening my door I found a delivery. Upon further inspection it was my copy of the book Bleher’s Biotopes I have been patiently waiting for. …

Bleher’s Biotopes is an excellent new resource for a  biotope aquarist or any other that enjoys nature at its finest.  There are thousands of pictures in the 460 page book.  Along with all that there are detailed descriptions of over 500 rivers and lakes.  Add to that an estimated 2500 …

Recently there has been a marked uptick in what some consider designer fish, especially cichlids.  Breeders have come to replace the frankenfish title of hybrids that were generally bland and unidentifiable.  Today there are a multitude of beautifully colored strains and creations that do not, and in all likelihood would …

Take a look at this book that shows tropical fish from around the world.  They are very nice drawings the artist have made and look worthy of prints to adorn the walls of any home.  From time to time we find artists that bring exceptional work and this is one …