The Ohio Cichlid Association

The Ohio Cichlid
Association
Buckeye Bulletin
February 2010
In This Issue: OCA Winter Auction Saturday,Feb. 13th – Details inside.
A “down and dirty” look at Ancistrus sp. “Snowflake”.
How to find, remove, and prevent MOLD!
Next Meeting: Friday February 5th at 8pm
OCA Mission
The OCA is an organization dedicated
to the advancement and
dissemination of information relating
to all aspects of the biology of cichlids
and related aquatic life. Our purpose
is to promote the interest, keeping,
study, breeding, and the educational
exhibition of Cichlids. Additionally, the
exchange of ideas, meeting new
people, and distribution of information
concerning Cichlids is of primary
interest.
On The Cover
This month’s cover reminds us that the
Winter Auction is just days away. Make
sure to mark Saturday, Feb. 13th on your
calendar. The Winter auction is a great
mid-winter warm up! Details are inside.
Photo by Frank Mueller
2009 OHIO CICHLID ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
Emperor Emeritus Mike Neelon
President
Don Danko
donfish@ameritech.net
440-526-0755
Brecksville
Vice-President
Mojarra@cox.net
440-885-2033
Parma
Treasurer
Rhonda Sorensen
ithinkfast@aol.com
216-398-8966
Cleveland
OCA Historian
419-681-1628
Norwalk
Dan Woodland
Lew Carbone
carbone@norwalk-city.k12.oh.us
Membership
Kyle May
kylesureshotmay@yahoo.com
216-548-5165
Andrew Subotnik
andrew@kingdomtitle.net
Strongsville
Barberton
B.A.P.
Mark Chaloupka
mark01@netzero.net
330-468-1966
Northfield
Catfish B.A.P.
Dave Ayres
catmandave007@yahoo.com
330-758-2421
Boardman
Bowl Show
Andrew Subotnik
drewluvspeaches@yahoo.com
Barberton
Raffle
Dawn Dewerth
didewerth@aol.com
440-212-0896
Columbia Station
Librarian
Hilary Lacerda
hlacerda@core.com
216-752-7329
Shaker Heights
Photographer
Frank Mueller
frank_mueller88@hotmail.com
330-673-0446
Kent
Videographer
Jonathan Strazinsky
jonathan@monsterfishrescue.com
440-437-7033
Orwell
Secretary
Steve Heinbaugh
steve@steveh28.com
330-730-4418
Massillon
Refreshments
Gayle and Joe Ring
jring1@gmail.com
330-483-0419
Valley City
Buckeye Bulletin STAFF
Editor
Kyle May
216-548-5165
Strongsville
kylemay@live.com
Exchange Editor
Eeleven@aol.com
Eric Sorensen
Web Editor
frank_mueller88@hotmail.com
Frank Mueller
Production Consultant
Martha Niehaus
216-398-8966
330-673-0446
Cleveland
Kent
Cleveland
The Ohio Cichlid Associations Buckeye Bulletin is produced monthly by the Ohio Cichlid
Association. All articles and photographs contained within this publication are being used with
consent of the authors.
If you have an article, photograph, or ad to submit for publication, please send it to
kylemay@live.com. When submitting articles for publication in this bulletin, please remember to
include any photographs or art for inclusion in the article. The Ohio Cichlid Association is not
responsible for any fact checking or spelling correction in submitted material. Articles will be
edited for space and content.
Ohio Cichlid Association members in good standing may place a for sale ad in our Cichlid
Exchange section at no charge. Please remember to spell check your ad and include your
contact information. Ad’s will be printed in the bulletin as they are received, so make sure
you’ve proof read your ad and checked species spelling prior to submission.
All information contained in this bulletin is for the use of The Ohio Cichlid Association members.
If you would like to become a member of The Ohio Cichlid Association, please contact
Andrew Subotnik or Kyle May using the contact information contained in the Membership
section located on the previous page.
Thanks to Blue Zoo for being a supporter of
The Ohio Cichlid Association
Hear Frank Reece of Blue Zoo Radio speak
at the February 5th OCA Social Meeting
Listen to Blue Zoo Radio live
Monday nights at 8pm
Thanks Blue Zoo for all you do for the OCA!
Presidents Message
By Don Danko
Despite the bad weather, we had a good turnout at the January Membership Meeting.
Due to the speaker cancellation, we showed a video of Utah’s Bob Allen, a prominent Tanganyikan
cichlid breeder. Bob has given several talks at the OCA and always does a great job.
Also at the Membership Meeting, on behalf of the Board, Dan Woodland presented Treasurer,
Rhonda Sorenson, the Blue Zoo award for exceptional service to the club.
Thanks, Rhonda, for all you do!
As discussed at the meeting, we will be rewriting the Constitution of the OCA over the next couple
of months. Once done, we will publish it in the bulletin and then vote to accept it.
We’ll keep you posted.
As all Membership Meetings do, we had a membership door prize, BAP and buck-a-bag auctions, a
raffle and BAP awards to keep everyone engaged.
Following the meeting, we held a very casual and short Board meeting since delaying the meeting
from Jan 1 to Jan 8 put us off of our normal routine. We primarily discussed the details of the
upcoming February auction.
The Board is actively looking to fill the open position of Program Chairman. If you are interested in
filling this position, or want to participate on a committee that recruits excellent speakers for our
meetings and events, please contact me or another Board member.
If you haven’t done so already, please take a quick moment to fill out the Swap Meet Survey and
return to Kyle May kylesureshot@yahoo.com. We’d sure like to get your input on how to improve the
event.
As always, keep current on OCA activities by visiting our website, at www.ohiocichlid.com, and by
checking out our forum. There is a link to the forum from the website.
Don
Right are two juvenile Uaru amphiacanthoides.
The Uaru is a favorite of Don & Marilyn Danko.
-Photo Courtesy of Don Danko
Why Not Donate To the Jim Smith Fund?
Your donations to the Jim Smith Fund are used to fund a
variety of projects that have a major impact on the hobby
we all enjoy. For example, we just donated $1,000 to the
Stuart Grant Cichlid Conservation Fund, an organization that
is actively protecting endangered fish in a national park in
Malawi. Many species of cichlids have already disappeared
from this area and your donations to the Jim Smith Fund
have helped to save a significant number of fish. As an OCA
member, this is your fund. We use this money to fund your
causes - causes that affect the hobby today!
Why don’t you make a plan to donate?
Here’s how to donate
Donating is painless. You can give the OCA cash at any meeting or event. You can donate fish, tanks,
filters, etc, at any meeting or event. Even a few bucks add up over time. If we all give just a few bucks,
the fund will grow significantly, allowing us to fund projects that affect us all!
For more information or to suggest a project that might be right for a Jim Smith Fund donation, talk to
any Ohio Cichlid Association board member.
Swap Meet Survey Reminder
In the last issue of the Buckeye Bulletin was asked for your feedback so that
we could improve the attendance of our swap meets. It’s important that we
get your feedback because the event has had marginal success and we
are on the brink of discontinuing this event. In an effort to increase support
and keep the swap meet tradition alive within the aquaristic community,
we need your feedback.
On the next page is a 7 question survey that will help us determine the best
time, date, and other parameters that effect the attendance of this event.
It will only take you about a minute to answer these questions and email
your answers back to: kylemay@live.com
Please take the time to return this immediately.
Your opinion can make a difference.
Ohio Cichlid Association
Tropical Fish Swap Meet Questionnaire
1) Have you ever attended any of the past OCA table swap meets?
A. Yes
B. No
2) If No which of the following are your reason(s). Mark all that apply.
a. Did not know about the event
b. Too far away to attend
c. Conflict with a prior commitment
d. Day did not work for me
e. Time did not work for me
f. Did not understand how this type of sale worked
g. Seller entrance fee too high
h. Buyer entrance fee too high
3) What day of the week is ideal for you?
a. Saturday
b. Sunday
c. Either day would be fine with me
4) What starting time is ideal for you?
a. 10 am
b. 11 am
c. 12 pm
d. 1 pm
e. 2 pm
f. Any time of the day would be fine with me
5) What activities would encourage your attendance? (Select all that apply)
a. Door prizes
b. 50/50 Raffle
c. Silent Auction
6) Where would you like to see fish events advertised? Mark all that apply.
a. Plain Dealer/Akron Beacon Journal
b. Flyers at club auctions
c. Craigslist
d. Ohio Cichlid Association Website
e. Tradin’ Times
f. Email sent out to club members
g. Other _____________________________
7) How often would you like to see the Tropical Fish Swap Meet held:
a. Annually
b. Quarterly
c. Monthly
d. Bi monthly
kkkkk
The
View
From
Here…
By Kyle May - Bulletin Editor
I’m sure that by now you’ve settled into winter and hope that the cold isn’t getting the best of you.
Although I’m one of those lucky few who get to spend some time in Florida and California during the
winter months, it’s the impending Ohio Cichlid Association Winter Auction that really has the ability to heat
things up during the coldest month of the year. If you have never been to the Winter Auction, you’ll be
pleasantly surprised at the amount of fish and hard good deals you will find there. Mark Saturday, February
13th on your calendar and plan to show up at the Holiday Inn Strongsville, (I71 & 82 Royalton Rd.).
The auction starts at 10 am. There’s a show flyer in this issue that has all the details.
Very few of us have not found a Pleco that we absolutely love. In this issue Don Danko takes a quick
look at the very cool Ancistrus sp. “Snowflake”. He gives some interesting details about how he and his
wife Marilyn raised and eventually spawned this very interesting pleco. Included are some photos fro
Stephan Tanner of Swiss Tropicals who will speak to the OCA this year.
If you have one aquarium or fifty, it’s likely that you will eventually have to battle mold. Not only is
mold unsightly, but it can present some serious health risks. In “Dissecting the Hobby”, Dan Woodland offers
some tips on how to find, eradicate, and prevent mold issues. It’s a good read for those with existing issues
and for the burgeoning fish room aficionado who is planning a multiple tank set up.
Lastly, kudos to all of those hardy individuals who attended the January meeting. Local Cleveland
media made it sound like a blizzard was approaching and many of you decided to be cautious and stay
home. Those who attended enjoyed an intimate meeting and we had a riot making fun of all the snow
bunnies who stayed home. (just kidding folks!) Also welcome to the new members who joined this year.
It’s great to have you as a member of the planet’s finest Cichlid and Catfish Club!
Talk to you next month,
Fearless Cichlid Fans
brave the storm to
attend the January
2010 meeting.
B
y
Andrew Subotnik
Aulonocara Sp.
Andrew Subotnik
Mother Nature sure did keep the January Bowl Show to a minimum, not a single entry! This means that
the point’s race is yet to start so if you missed the January Bowl Show, not to worry, the points are all
even at zero.
February will include classes for Victorian Basin Cichlids, Angelfish, and Synodontis and other
Mochokids.
If you’re not sure that your fish qualifies for a particular class you can contact me with questions.
Phone 330-730-3177 or email drewluvspeaches@yahoo.com
Don’t trust your luck late in the game; enter fish early in the year and often throughout the year to
secure your spot in the race for the 2010 Grand Prize!
Andrew
Prizes:
Best of Show:
Quarter Champ:
2010 Champ:
$20 Cash
$35 Pet Shop certificate
TBA
Standings
Jan
2010 1st Qtr.
January Results:
A. Tanganyikan Shell Dwellers
No Entries
B. Central Americans Under 6”
No Entries
C. Loricariids (Pleco Types) Over 6”
No Entries
February Classes:
A.
B.
C.
Tanganyikan Shell Dwellers
Central Americans Under 6”
Loricariids (Pleco Types) Over 6”
March Classes:
A.
B.
C.
Pseudotropheus, Cynotilapia &
Melanochromis South Americans under 6" (Excluding Angels,
Discus & Apistos)
Catfish (Excluding Callichthids, Loracariids &
Mochokids) Point System
1st place…..………………………..10
2nd place….…………………………7
3rd place…………………………….5
Non-placing entries………………...1
Best of Show*…………………… 5
*Only awarded if 2 or more entries.
Ohio Cichlid Association
2009 Winter Auction
13 February 2010
WHAT:
Giant Auction of:
Cichlids, Catfish,
Plants & Dry Goods.
AUCTION BEGINS:10 am
REGISTRATION: 9 am - 11 am
WHERE:
Holiday Inn Select Strongsville
Phone: 440-238-8800
15471 Royalton Road
Strongsville, Ohio 44136
Located at I-71 and Route 82 just 10 minutes
south of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
INFO:
Dan Woodland: 440-885-2033
mojarra@cox.net
Rhonda Sorensen: 216-398-8966
IThinkFast@aol.com
Don Danko: 440-526-0755
donfish@ameritech.net
or www.ohiocichlid.com
Please have
your sellers
form filled out
ahead
of time!
We always
need
Runners!
Amphilophus rhytisma
WINTER AUCTION RULES:
1. This is a Cichlid, Catfish, Aquatic Plant, and Dry Goods auction only!!!
2. Registration ends at 11 am sharp. Late comers can be accepted
at the discretion of the OCA, but their goods will be placed on a
black selling table, and will be auctioned after all red, blue, green
and yellow bags have been sold. No exceptions!
3. 5 bags per species/color morph maximum. Please be aware that
the check-in procedure will validate all limits.
4. 60 bags per family maximum. Please be aware that the check-in
procedure will validate all limits.
5. Bags can be labeled with labels or permanent marker. You will
also be required to submit a Seller Sheet listing your information
and each of your bags of fish.
6. Bags should be labeled with your three initials (ABC) then a number 1 to 60.
7. All bags will be distributed among the colored selling tables (red,
blue, green, and yellow). Bags of one color will be auctioned first,
then the next, and so on. The color for the first bags to be auctioned
will be randomly drawn right before the auction begins (ie. red may
not be first), and nobody knows what color will be first until right
before the start of the auction.
8. All fish to be auctioned will be in suitable quality bags. No zip-loc bags
or similar low quality bags will be accepted.
9. No sick or deformed fish will be accepted. If such fish are found,
they will not be auctioned.
10. All sales are final. Buyer beware!
11. No item may be removed from the auction once it has been registered.
12. The split is: the first $1 to the club, and of the remainder 70% to
the seller, 30% to the club.
13. Any unclaimed items at the end of the auction will become the
property of the Ohio Cichlid Association.
14. Cash is encouraged. A number system will be used for anyone
wishing to run a tab. Buyers must register with the registration committee at the beginning of the auction. Personal checks will be accepted with proper identification.
15. All similar items may be sold at the last bid according to the discretion of the auctioneer, with the highest bidder having first choice,
and other bidders having subsequent choices.
BREEDERS AWARD PROGRAM
By Mark Chaloupka
January 8, 2010
George Anagnostopoulos Neolamprologus caudopunctatus Bob Blazek 15 Astatotilapia latisfasciata “zebra obliquidens” 10 Neolamprologus leleupi “Karilani” 15 Bryan Davis Haplochromis burtoni “yellow morph” Dave Esner Aulonocara rubescens “red” Gary Mendez 10 10 Cynotilapia afra “Jalo Reef” 10 Melanochromis auratus 10 Xystichromis phytophagus “christmas fulu” 10 Fred Roberts Labidochromis caeruleus Eric & Rhonda Sorensen Hypsophrys nicaraguense John Tesar 10 15 Aulonocara “strawberry peacock” 10 Aulonocara stuartgranti “Hai Reef–blue neon” 10 Aulonocara stuartgranti “Kande Island” 10 Pundamilia sp. “crimson tide albino” 10 Mike Trader Pseudotropheus acei Ethan Wiley Pseudotropheus acei 10 10 CURRENT B.A.P. STANDINGS
(1/8/10)
2010 BREEDER TOTAL BREEDER MASTER BREEDER 1000 POINT LEVEL 100 POINT LEVEL Don Danko Lew Carbone Dan Woodland Linda Wallrath Rich & Maggie Schoeffel ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 2255 2235 2010 1130 1065 900 POINT LEVEL Dennis Tomazin Mark Chaloupka ‐ 905 ‐ 905 800 POINT LEVEL Tom Swiderski ‐ 895 700 POINT LEVEL Gary & Ramona Omerzo Dustin Brummitt ‐ ‐ 2010 TOTAL Marc & Dawn DeWerth Ozeal Hunter Gary Mendez Chuck Carroll Eric & Rhonda Sorensen Ken & Karen Grimmett George Anagnostopoulos Phil Hypes Andrew Subotnik Greg Seith Bob Blazek Joe Ring David Ayers Bill & Janice Bilski Ken Rawlinson Jonathan Strazinsky 740 725 ‐ ‐ 30 ‐ 15 ‐ 15 ‐ ‐ ‐ 25 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 195 190 190 185 185 160 155 155 155 145 125 105 100 100 100 100 BREEDER LEVEL 600 POINT LEVEL Jeff Natterer John Tesar ‐ 40 690 690 500 POINT LEVEL Bill Schwartz Hilary & Antonio Lacerda Charlie & Cathy Suk Ron Georgeone ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 595 570 560 510 400 POINT LEVEL Bryan Davis 10 465 300 POINT LEVEL Richard & Crystal Pittenger Ken Galaska Christopher Blondin Bob Bina Gary Zalewski ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 395 375 355 345 310 200 POINT LEVEL David Hale Tyler Toncler Rick Hallis Dave Skok Jerry Freeman Kyle May ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 275 265 255 240 220 220 Mark Huntington Michael Danko Marco Lentini Josh Johnson Frank Mueller Bob Tillman Dan Ogrizek Daniel Scheeff Dennis Hitch Christopher Sooy Steve Heinbaugh Tom & Carolyn Evers Fred Roberts Dave Enser Alex Gorges Andy Lacerda Bill Sensor John Kaminski Ron Drungil Mike Trader Ethan Wiley ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 10 10 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 10 10 70 65 65 60 60 60 50 45 40 35 30 25 25 20 20 20 20 15 10 10 10 The points list for the Breeders Award Program has been updated to include only current members. If you are a current member and your name has been omitted, please see the B.A.P. Chairman at the social meeting so we can correct any errors. Please remember: You may only turn in a species or strain of fish for B.A.P. points one time. If you need a list of what you have been credited with, see the BAP chairman at the social meeting. OCA
Calling
Call
For
Content
For 2010 The Ohio Cichlid Association has upgraded the Newsletter to
be more of an Electronic Cichlid Magazine than a Newsletter.
This means that we can include more information, features, and fish
pics that ever before. Since I don’t have a staff, (and this is YOUR
publication as an OCA Member), I’m asking each of you to contribute
to this publication this year.
I know you’ve got some great pics of your fish or you’ve got enough
experience with a species to write a short article. It’s simple and quick.
Take some time one day to consider what you have to offer. There are
a lot of members out here that will benefit from your experience and
would love to hear what you have to say.
This is your club, this is your publication. Support it.
Editors Contact information for all submissions:
kylesureshotmay@yahoo.com
kylemay@live.com
Ohiocichlidassociationbulletin@live.com
OHIO CICHLID ASSOCIATION
CATFISH BREEDERS REPORT
JANUARY 8, 2010
Breeder
Bryan Davis
Species
Ancistrus sp. “albino
bushynose”
Ancistrus sp. “brown
bushynose”
Synodontis petricola
Points
10
10
20
TOTALS (thru 1/8/10)
NAME
Don & Marilyn Danko
Dan Ogrizek
Dan Woodland
Linda Wallrath
Charlie Suk
Bob Bina
Eric & Rhonda Sorensen
Jeff Natterer
Tyler Toncler
Bryan Davis
Hilary Lacerda
Dave Ayres
Dustin Brummitt
Rick Hallis
Phil Hypes
John Kaminski
Marco Lentini
Dennis Tomazin
Bob Blazek
Kyle May
Gary & Ramona Omerzo
Phil Ayres
Lew Carbone
Chuck Caroll
Mark Chaloupka
Karen Grimmett
David Hale
Rosemary Hitch
Richard Pittenger
Kris Sooy
John Tesar
Bob Tillman
2010
TOTAL
40
-
135
135
100
75
65
60
55
50
45
40
40
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
You share
everything else
with your
friends…
Why not share
the Ohio Cichlid
Association?
One of the most often heard comments we get from new members is that
they wish someone had told them about The Ohio Cichlid Association sooner.
The OCA has some great new things in the works for 2010 making this the best
time ever to become a member of The Ohio Cichlid Association!
We’ve all got a friend with whom we discuss our fish and all the cool things
about the hobby. Why not invite them to join the OCA and help them to
further enhance their fish keeping experience?
They’ll thank you for sharing the best kept secret in the aquarium hobby.
Our yearly membership contribution is still only $15. It’s worth the $15 just to get
the Buckeye Bulletin magazine delivered to your email box each month.
Add on our exclusive “members only” sales area on Cichlid Room Companion,
(the finest Cichlid web site on the net), plus the opportunity to be a part of the
Extravaganza, (the hottest cichlid & catfish convention there is), and you have
a membership that’s worth way more than Fifteen bucks.
With all of the members perks for so little cash, it really is true that
The Ohio Cichlid Association is the finest Cichlid and Catfish Club
on the planet!
Share your
passion with
a friend.
Invite them
to join the
OCA today.
How to Join The Ohio Cichlid Association
Step One:
Fill Out form
Step Two:
Forward Membership Contribution
Step Three: Enjoy the Club
Here’s the information we need:
Your
Your
Your
Your
Name:
address:
email:
Telephone:
Cost: Membership Contribution is $15 per year. $25/2 yrs.
Memberships are all due in November.
Membership is only $10 if you are in School.
(includes college students)
Payment:
By mail-send a check to:
Ohio Cichlid Association
15730 Whitney Rd.
Strongsville, Ohio 44136
Pay online: PayPal@ohiocichlid.com
Questions? Contact the Membership Team
Andrew –
330-730-3177 drewluvspeaches@yahoo.com
Kyle May – 216-548-5165 kylemay@live.com
Once your membership contribution has been
received, you’ll get an introductory letter
that’ll get you up and running with all things
OCA.
Dissecting
the Hobby
By Dan Woodland
MOLD!
Photo courtesy of John Martyny, Ph.D. www.epa.gov
“Mold is a type of fungus that grows on plants and fibers and is most often associated with
damp, musty locations such as bathrooms, basements and attics. Mold travels through the air
as tiny spores which like to make their home in wet areas, where they will breed. In addition
to its unsightly appearance, mold can present a hazard to one's health. It's an allergen and
an irritant.” -Wisegeek.com
Mold should be a concern for all fish keepers from the
guy with a few tanks to the guy with hundreds.
To people with health issues and small children it can be
a serious hazard……so be wary.
Why does it appear in my fish room or house?
One word, moisture: Moisture from any source will allow mold to grow but mold loves nice warm
aquarium water best! A friend had moisture so bad the insulation in the attic was completely soaked
like a sponge!! He had to gut his house of all drywall and insulation and replace all of it!
Imagine the thousands of dollars! Another friend had minor mold damage from a couple of pond
filling misshapes in his basement, and, the last I knew, the damage was estimated at 10K!
Make sure you keep your fish room clear of water spills and airborne moisture!
Photo, Stephen Vesper, Ph.D.
Photo, Stephen Vesper, Ph.D. www.epa.gov
Don’t think you have Mold? Chances are you do so you’d better check. Winter is the worst time for
mold problems because the entire house is closed up tight and the furnace is heating up the air while
blowing the mold spores all over the house. Uncovered aquariums can really help this problem get out
of hand. Here are some things to look for:
1. Do you have condensation on your windows? Look at the bottom of your windows near the sills
for mold.
2. Do you smell something you can’t identify? Check the underside of your fish tanks stands for
green mold. Check all your fish room windows.
3. Look on the inside and under your fish tank cabinets and stands. If you see light green or black
spots, you have mold.
4. Look in the back corners of all your closets.
If you determine you have mold and you fear it might be prolific throughout the house you can look
inside your walls using a scope or use a moisture probe to make sure there is not enough moisture in the
drywall to support the mold. If it’s really bad you should consult a professional cleaning company.
Here are some examples of mold growing in a basement. Reducing the amount of mold is possible using
the tips in this article. Close inspection of areas in your home that can host mold is important.
Photos by Dan Woodland
Even the most fastidious aquarist may find mold growing in her fish room. The key is to inspect your
home frequently and be aware of key areas that harbor mold. Even a home with tightly covered
aquariums may occasionally have mold problems, but this is usually not the case. Ventilation is a
major weapon for mold control as adequate ventilation will help inhibit mold growth. Using
commercial cleaners that kill mold or using a bleach solution will kill existing mold and inhibit future
growth. Don’t let mold issues ruin your enjoyment of the hobby. You can have the sweetest, mold-free
fish room ever with a little attention to detail, some ventilation, and by using proper cleaning
techniques.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Dan Woodland
Have a question or an idea for Dissecting the Hobby? Contact Dan: mojarra@cox.net
February Meeting:
Frank Reece from
Blue Zoo Radio
Next Social Meeting – February 5th, 2010
Old Oak Church, 7575 Old Oak Blvd,
Middleburg Heights, Ohio
Meeting Starts at:
8pm
Directions:
From the North take I-71 South
Take exit 235 (Bagley Rd.).
Turn Right onto Bagley.
Turn left onto Old Oak Blvd.
Church is about ½ mile on left.
From the South take I-71 North
Take exit 234.
Turn Right onto Pearl Rd. (42)
Turn Left onto Fowles Rd.
Turn Right onto Old Oak Blvd.
Church is on the right 1/10 mile.
Old Oak Church
7575 Old Oak Blvd.
Middleburg Heights, Ohio
I-71
Old Oak
Blvd.
Bagley Rd.
Southwest
General
Hospital
Old Oak
Church
Fowles Rd.
Our Encounter with
Ancistrus sp.“Snowflake”
By Don & Marilyn Danko
Photo By Don Danko
About a year and a half ago, on our way home from a long weekend in
Nashville, Marilyn and I stopped by to see Stephan Tanner in Columbus to see what
uncommon fish he might have available. It turned out that Stephan had an Ancistrus
species with very attractive markings that he called the Snowflake Ancistrus. This
beautiful bushynose pleco was jet black with white markings. Stephan indicated that
he had gotten his breeders from Germany and, after growing them out, has been
producing them in small quantities. He was not sure of the collecting locality for the
fish and stated that there was no L number associated with them when he purchased
them. While Stephan had other Ancistrus types available in his clean and orderly fish
room, I kept coming back to wanting the attractive and pricey Snowflakes. We
decided to spring for all that Stephan could part with and then returned to the
Cleveland area with our newly prized progeny.
We set them up in a 10 gallon tank to
grow them out and, hopefully, to spawn them
one day. We kept them in Cleveland city
water at a temperature of about 78 degrees.
Because these are slow growers, it seemed to
take forever for them to get to a size where
they would sprout tentacles. However, grow
they did and eventually they began to mature.
Once we had plecos that were closer to
adults we noticed that we ended up with
Photo by Don Danko
more males than females.
We provided them with a diet that is predominantly based on algae flake as
the base food with periodic feedings of salt free French cut green beans.
To the best of my recollection, they were about 9 to 12 months old when they first
spawned. The spawn was small and we found only 4 fry. They did not spawn again
for quite some time. We tried triggering them with RO water and with alder cones
and we then began to get spawning action once again. We have had a handful of
spawns now, with our largest spawn numbering about 25. So far we have found that
the fry are not difficult to raise. The fry are given a diet of the same foods that we
provide the adults.
“If you like Ancistrus, we highly recommend
that you try this cool newcomer.”
From an appearance standpoint, the Snowflake Ancistrus is black with white flecks.
They generate quite a head growth on the males, sprouting many thick bristles as they
mature. On his website, Stephan Tanner mentions that this fish was imported to Germany via
Manaus in Brazil. Stephan brought back two tank raised pairs from Germany a few years
back. Due to the fact that they show the darker pattern in soft, acidic water, Stephan feels
they are probably from the Rio Negro area. He reports spawns with large eggs and relatively
few eggs. He reports a maximum size of 3.5 inches.
If you like Ancistrus, we highly recommend that you try this cool newcomer.
They’re Marilyn’s favorite fish in our room, so ask her about them sometime!
Far left: Juvenile “Snowflake” exhibiting the spectacular markings that attracted the authors to this fish.
Center: Male guarding eggs. Males typically handle the parental duties of guarding and fanning the eggs.
Far Right: Adult male showing off the trademark appendages for which the Bushy Nose Pleco is named.
Photos courtesy of Stephan Tanner
Congratulations Rhonda!
OCA’s 1st Recipient of the Blue Zoo Award!
No member has ever worked
harder to make the Ohio
Cichlid Association the best
Cichlid & Catfish Club ever!
Rhonda has worked tirelessly to keep the
OCA on track. We’ve chosen to recognize
her efforts on behalf of all OCA members.
Thanks Rhonda for a job well done.
Rhonda Sorenson, OCA Treasurer, receives 2009’s Blue Zoo
Award from OCA Vice-President Dan Woodland.
Photo by Frank Mueller
The Blue Zoo Award will be given to an Ohio
Cichlid Association member whose efforts
have furthered the interests of the club for the
benefit of all members. All active members of
the Ohio Cichlid Association are eligible to
receive this award which is presented
annually at the January social meeting.
Thanks To:
blue
zoo
Radio
Proud Sponsor of
The Ohio Cichlid
Association
New Gear
& Gadgets
by Kyle May
Fluvals New G Force May be
their best yet……
It takes something really unusual to wow the rank and file
aquarist these days and I think that Fluval has done it with its G Series
filters. The G3 and G6, are not your “run of the mill” Fluvals. These guys
Fluval’s G3 circulates 340 gph while the
actually tell you when it’s time for the filters to be cleaned. How many
G6 circulates 650 gph. The G series filters
push water through the filters as their
of us have no idea how long it’s been since we rinsed out the filter
pumps are on the intake side of the unit.
media? The new G series filters have you covered with an 8,000 pixel
Fluval recommends the G3 for 40-80 gal.
tanks and the G6 for 80-160 gal. tanks.
led display that shows water temperature and electrical conductivity
(salinity), plus it tracks water flow through the unit and sounds an alarm
if the water flow goes below your preset parameters. It has easily removed pre-filter and chemical
cartridges, plus other wiz bang features like a quick shut off when you want to clean the unit, a
telescoping intake, and a highly adjustable water return. Fluval’s G series also solves the cumbersome
filter basket routine as the mechanical, chemical, and bio filters can be accessed independently for
cleaning. The G series microprocessor controls the direction and speed of the impeller motor to reduce
the amount of power consumed. Other features include a fiberglass reinforced poly canister in gloss
black and chrome, a low friction silicone gasket, a primer button, a very high tech impeller with an
aluminum oxide impeller shaft, and chrome plated cast canister seal levers.
The multi-tank aquarist may find the Fluval G series filters a little pricey, (G3 runs a
little over $400 and the G6 a little under $500), but the one tank aquarist or Hi
Tech geek are sure to be enamored with Fluvals latest offering. The salt water
crowd will find the temp and salinity capabilities a real help because you can get
some great feedback concerning your water parameters in real time. All in all,
this filter is one you won’t hide under or behind your tank because the stylish
chrome and black G series filter is one you’ll want to show off.
Left: mechanical and
chemical filter
canisters and the
LCD panel on front.
Right: Aqua Stop
valves used when the
filter is cleaned.
Far right: push button
primer that makes
priming the G Series
filters a snap.
See the Fluval G Series at RMS Aquaculture, 6629 Engle Rd, Cleveland, OH P:(216) 433-1340
RMS Aquaculture is a proud supporter of The Ohio Cichlid Association.
All photo’s of the G Series are courtesy of Hagen USA.
Above are three views
from the G3’s 8,000
pixel LCD panel:
Top –Filter status
Middle –Temp. Graph
Bottom – Flow Alert
20
Happy Birthday Kingfish!
Manufacturer Spokesperson
Ray Lucas
Speaker • Judge • Auctioneer
E-6715 Pinehurst Drive
Boston, New York 14025
Phone: 716-941-3701
Fax: 716-941-5172
Email: kingfish51@verizon.net
www.kingfishservices.net
Representing:
MARS FISCHCARE
North America
Aquarian Flake Foods
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Rena, Pond Care
Aquarium Technology Inc.
- ATI Sponge Filters
Finley Aquatic Books Lee Finley
The Fish Factory Mike & Robin Schadle
Cichlid News subscriptions available
Diskus Brief
- past issues available
Discus Hans USA
Swiss Tropicals
- Poret Filter Foam
Eastern Aquatic Blackworms
- Craig Shaubach
Blue Zoo Radio
Pleco Caves
Ken’s Fish
Python
Kingfish Services
20 years of getting you
hooked on tropical fish!
Good for the hobby,
organizations & industry!
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Aquarium Technology,
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Aquarium Technology,
Inc. was founded
in 1991 by Joseph
C. Gargiulo. Mr.
Gargiulo, an avid
hobbyist, developed
and patented the
HydroSponge Filter.
The Turbo-Flow has
also been granted
a patent and is the
final stage of that
process. As one can
see, ATI is a company
with ingenuity and
creativity.
Contact your local pet store for the
best sponge filter products on the
market!
Visit our website at:
www.atisponge.com
Filter-maxtm
hydro-spongetm
PO BOX 33623, DECATUR GEORGIA, 30033
404-294-4726
www.ohiocichlid.com
Everyday
Low Prices
A show dedicated to
each and every aquarist
making a difference
in the hobby.
Blue Zoo Radio is live
every Monday evening
at 8pm EST.
www.BlueZooRadio.com
Dave's
Tropical
Fish
Fish • Reptiles • Ferrets • Aquariums •
Puppies
(419) 478-DAVE
davestropicalfish@aol.
Poret® Brand
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For freshwater, saltwater,
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Exclusively imported and
distributed in
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by SwissTropicals, LLC!
www.SwissTropicals.com
Over 25 years of experience in both
freshwater and saltwater aquarium
sales, and a 16,000 sq. ft. store,
make RMS Aquaculture
Cleveland’s Aquarium Super Store!
6629 Engle Road, Middleburg
Heights, OH 44130
Phone: 216-433-1340
Email: Mike@rmsaquaculture.com
www.RMSAquaculture.com
www.ohiocichlid.com
North East Ohio Discus
Nate & Bonnie Larson
620 West Nimisila Rd.
Akron, OH 44319
Phone: 330 882 5158
Email: neohdiscus@aol.com
Hours by Appointment only
Dave’s Rare
Aquarium Fish
Specializing in the rare
cichlids and catfishes
of Africa
(210) 599-9444
www.davesfish.com
www.ohiocichlid.com
Finley Aquatic Books
PO Box 164
Pascoag, RI 02859, USA
Fax: 401-568-1561
info-query@finleyaquaticbooks.com
www.FinleyAquaticBooks.com
w w w. m a r s f i s h c a re. c o m
Anubias Design
When Quality counts, count on
“where rare species
are common”
PythonProducts.com
www.anubiasdesign.com
anubiasdesign@yahoo.com
Made with PRIDE in the USA
Captain Bob’s Fishtales
● South American Cichilds
● Corys
● Fish Food
● Breeding Caves
● Plants
By Juan Miguel Artigas Asaz
cichlidae.com
the internet cichlidae
information center!
Captain Bob’s Fishtales
807 Hickory Road
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
Phone: 262-877-2123
captainbobsfood@gmail.com
www.CaptainBobsFishtales.com
www.ohiocichlid.com
SouthCentralCichlids.com
“Caves made so you will
enjoy them as much as we
enjoy making them!”
- Will not leach chemicals.
- Will no break down over time.
- Will not have sharp edges.
#1
Reptile Products
worldwide
www.southcentralcichlids.com
Monster Fish Rescue
MFR will attempt to re-home
any size fish, big or small,
regardless of your situation.
Discus Hans USA
Stendtker Discus USA
www.MonsterFishRescue.com
Do the research.
Buy the tank, then the fish!
Promoting high quality
German bred Discus
in the USA.
www.TwoFishGuyz.com
www.ohiocichlid.com
Order back issues of the
discontinued international
version of this magazine as a
unique resource about discus.
DISKUS DESIGN
28180 Verdin Street NW
Isanti, MN 55040-6030
Phone: 763-444-6029
Fax: 763-444-5032
E-Mail: Curt@DiskusDesign.net
www.DiskusBrief.com
CICHLID NEWS
MAGAZINE
THE LATEST UPDATE
IN
THE WORLD
OF CICHLIDS
http://cichlidnews.com
www.ohiocichlid.com
Aquarium Societies
sponsoring the
OCA Extravaganza 2009
CAFE
www.columbusfishclub.org
Oyer Cichlids
810-229-2122
jeofish@comcast.net
East Coast Cichlids
www.EastCoastCichlids.org
Greater Cincinnati
Aquarium Society
www.gcas.org
Youngstown Area Tropical
Fish Society
www.yatfs.com
Many thanks from the OCA!
- Quality Cichlids
- Unbeatable Prices
Plecocaves.com
- Pleco Caves
- Breeding Caves
- SERA Fish Food
- Driftwood
- Fish
KENS FISH
Home of quality tropical
fish food and supplies
www.kensfish.com
kenm333@comcast.net
508-823-4043
“Quality and freshness is
I will meet oR beat
anyone’s price or deal!!!
most important to us here
www.plecocaves.com
at Kensfish.”
Eastern Aquatics
~ Black Worms ~
The largest and
most visited cichlid
site on the web!
9 out of 10 fish approve!
Fax: 717-898-7224
easternaquatics@yahoo.com
http://shop.easternaquatics.com
www.ohiocichlid.com
The Ohio Cichlid
Association Exchange
Buy – Sell - Trade
Have an ad you’d like to place? OCA members place ads for free.
Contact: KyleMay@live.com
Don’t forget to check out the trade section in the OCA area on Cichlidae.com.
For Sale:
Neoplamprologus Caudopunctatus: 8 Available $5ea/$25 all
Archocentrus Nanoluteus: $3 ea/10 for $20 Mellow Central 5” max.
Hypsophyrs Nicarguensis: $3ea/ 10 for $20 Parents had amazing color.
Cichlid Max Food: Sinking Pellet 6oz/$2 12oz/$3 16oz/$5 5lb/$20
Large Floating Pellet: 1/2lb $3 1lb/$5
Contact: Kyle May - 216-548-5165 - kylemay@live.com
John Tesar Wants to Buy:
Aulonocara Turkis
Haplochromis Redback Scraper
Protomelas Ornatus
Pseudotropheus Noumbi Red Top
Chilotrilapia Euchilus
Haplochromis Leptura (yellow)
Otopharynx Chrysogater
Lethrinops Oculatus
Buccochromis Rhoadisia
Contact: Jwtdlh@hotmail.com
Over 150 members will read this bulletin.
Why don’t you have an ad here?
Dan Woodland
440-885-2033 mojarra@cox.net
F0 Crenicichla sp "citrus" pairs $100 pr. Rio San Martin Bolivia (3 pair left)
Cyphotilapia sp North breeding group 10" Ms 5-6" Fs $250 (6 fish +) or $50 each
Pseudotropheus demsoni 1" $2.00 (beautiful blue with perfect stripes - you won't find a nicer strain)
Anscitrus dilocopterus" $2.50 ea
Anscitrus dilocopterus" Breeders $35
Hydro Sponge filters standard #1 $4.00 ea
Pro Reticulated filters sponge - #2, #3 $6.00ea
Cichlid Condo - three 12" long 4" diameter tubes glued together. Great for Frontosa or colonies of fish
that like tunnels $4.00 ea (5 available)
40 gallon breeder $50 ea does not leak
DeEncapsulated Brine Shrimp $16 per lb (never hatch Brine Shrimp again!!!!)
NEW! Floating Cichlid MAX 1lb $5.00ea and .5 lb $3.00 ea (bulk orders available)
NEW! Sinking Cichlid MAX 6oz $2 12 oz $3 1lb $5.00ea (bulk orders available)
Dan Woodland
Don Danko
440-885-2033 mojarra@cox.net
440-526-0755
donfish@ameritech.net
For Sale
Amphilophus altifrons trio (have layed eggs before) - Call (May be sold)
Red Festae Male 7"- $20
Red Festae Male - potential show quality (~7") - Call
Pr. Jack Dempseys (6-7") - $20/pair
Caquetaia spectabile
Nanochromis teugelsi pair - $30/pr.
Corydoras green aneus - $1 ea
Cory. paleatus - $ $1 ea
Albino Bushynose plecos reg & longfin, $2.50 ea.
Don Danko
440-526-0755
Lew Carbone
donfish@ameritech.net
419-681-1628
carbonel@norwalk-city.k12.oh.us
SELL Will deliver to meeting or OCA Auction
Protomelas kirki 1” $2 ea
Neolamp. brevis “Mtoto” breeding group 5 total 1.5-2”
Lepidiolamprologus nkambae 1.5” $4 ea
Austaloheros “Red Ceibal” 1+” $3 ea
$30 gp
Looking for:
Melanochromis labrosus adult male(s) or group
Lew Carbone
419-681-1628
carbonel@norwalk-city.k12.oh.us
Jonathan Strazinsky
jonathan@monsterfishrescue.com
(440) 437-7033
For Sale
Ameca splendens,
small
fry to
adults.
each
These new
books
were
trades$1.00
and donations
from Mike and Robin Schadle.
Vibrant color popping Archocentrus Nigrofasciatum of the grey & pink
varieties 1” $1.00 each
Large (6”) female Turquoise Severum $10.00
Theraps Fenestratus 1” fry $3.00 each six for $15.00
Wanted
Adult female Salvanii, will gladly purchase or trade.
Gagle of 3" tropheus bemba flame backs about 10 or so??? to much rock work
to count accurately $60 for all.
Also looking for the member who gave me mpimbwe fronts at the december
meeting! I want more!! Will gladly pay for them!!
Jonathan Strazinsky
jonathan@monsterfishrescue.com
(440) 437-7033
Discover the Ohio Cichlid
Association Library
If you are a new member of the Ohio Cichlid Association and haven’t checked out the OCA
Library, you should carve out some time at the next meeting to discover the wonderful selection of
information. Hilary Lacerda is our Librarian and she can help you select the perfect book, cd, or
dvd to help you learn about the various species and ecosystems that we love so much. You’ll find
books on fish, books on breeding, as well as recorded talks from the Extravaganza and club
meetings. Imagine watching Eric Bodrock’s talk at Extravaganza 2009 or maybe you didn’ t catch
Charlie Grimes cracking the audience up. These talks are legendary. More of a book nut? You’ll
find some of the best Cichlid and Catfish books that you can use as reference material or maybe
as a perfect way to construct your very own Cichlid wish list.
Hilary is very nice and she is always willing
to help you find what you need to keep you
entertained and informed.
It’s super easy to take a book out – just sign
for the book you plan to take and
remember to bring it back to the next
meeting. It’s just another perk of
membership from the finest Cichlid and
Catfish Club on the planet!
These new books were donations from Mike and Robin Schadle.
Thanks Mike and Robin for always helping out during the
Extravaganza and for supporting the OCA’s library!
Andrew Subotnik drewluvspeaches@yahoo.com 330-730-3177
FISH:
Neolamprologus Mustax - 2"+ - $6.50ea
Neolamprologus Savoryi - Breeding Group of 5 fish - $65
Nelamprologus Leleupi - Breeding Group of 5 fish - $50
Synodontis Petricola - Young Breeding Group of 10-13 fish - $175
DRY GOODS:
10gal tanks - $6/ea
25gal tanks - $15/ea
Eheim Ecco Canister Filter - $50
Andrew Subotnik drewluvspeaches@yahoo.com 330-730-3177
Ron Thompson
mailcall@buckeye-express.com 419-882-3359
Cryptoheros nanolute, wild breeding pair............................................$30.00
Cryptoheros nanolute F-1, 1"-1 1/2"+, Over 200 available...sold in 100 lots only,....$100.00 per lot
Red shouldered Severums F-1, 1".....14 for $75.00
Green common Severum adults....................................................4 for $35.00
I am retired and not equipped to ship anymore but you can pick- up almost any day.
Ron Thompson mailcall@buckeye-express.com
419-882-3359
Sylvania, Oh
Mark your Calendar now for Extravaganza 2010
November 19 -21
Strongsville, Ohio (Cleveland Area)
.::CONTACTING THE OCA::.
Send submissions to: Ohio Cichlid Association c/o Dan Woodland
7330 Ames Road • Parma, OH 44129 • E-mail: Mojarra@cox.net
No ads will be taken over the phone.
Ads: All ads are due by the second Saturday of the month for the following month’s bulletin. Please limit ads to 35 lines. Want and sell ads are free to current members and dignitaries ($.50 per line for non-members - payment must accompany ad.) You may submit
ads and articles on floppy disk or via e-mail. Create a standard text file and mail it to address above. The editor will format your submission to suit the amount of space available.
Be assured that your submission will not be intentionally altered and will be printed in its entirety.
Additionally, if arrangements are not made with the editor, floppy disks will not be returned. If space is limited, hobby related items will be printed first. Please, no personal
items.
Articles: Original BCLB articles, unless noted otherwise, may be reprinted if credited to
the original author.
Other submissions: Articles, photos, artwork, club news, events or input of any kind is
always welcome!
.::MEMBERSHIP::.
Join the Ohio Cichlid Association and receive the Buckeye Cichlid
Lovers Bulletin monthly as well as free want and sell ads. Complete the
registration form below and mail to:
Ohio Cichlid Association c/o Kyle May
15730 Whitney Rd. Strongsville, OH 44136
One year (12 issues) - $25.00, two years (24 issues) - $45.00 in U.S;
Canadian memberships - add $3.00 per year.
E-Mail Subscriptions: One year (12 issues) - $15.00, two years (24 issues) - $25.00
Make checks payable to:
Ohio Cichlid Association
.::MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION::.
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Phone:
E-mail:
Special Interests:
Zip:
Don’t forget
that your
Membership was
due in
November.
The Ohio Cichlid Association is the coolest
Cichlid and Catfish Club on the planet and it’s
also a great deal. Our membership contribution
is only $15 - you just can’t beat it!
Make sure that you stay current and send in your
membership contribution today.
Thanks to the generosity of our members,
the OCA gets better every year!
To renew your membership please contact:
Andrew – 330-730-3177
drewluvspeaches@yahoo.com
OR
Kyle May – 216-548-5165 kylemay@live.com
OR by mail:
Ohio Cichlid Association
15730 Whitney Rd.
Strongsville, Ohio 44136
OR Pay online:
PayPal@ohiocichlid.com
…One Last thing,
Fish Keepers Fib #128: This is my last tank. Honest.
by Susan Aufieri
From "The Daphnian" Boston Aquarium Society, June 2000
Content courtesy of : www.aquarticles.com
It was bound to happen. My friends told me that I couldn't reduce the number of tanks that I
was keeping down to a measly three. And keep it there. You see, in 1999 my husband and I
decided the time was right for us to move to a larger home. In the Spring I began to reduce the
quantity of tanks and fish in my fish room. At its peak, volumes of water numbered around 30-35
tanks and assorted plastic containers. Fish numbers? Who knows? Let's just say there were enough
fish residing in the 3rd floor of the townhouse that they could have applied for, and received, their
own municipality.
All had gone as planned. I'd managed to make some tough decisions. It's really hard to
decide when they're all your favorites. Why else would you be keeping them! There were but three
tanks left. The planted 75G community with a couple species of coreys, some otos and a pair of
Siamensis. Hoover the Blue Eye Pleco and his roomies, 4 clown loaches and a Gold Nugget Pleco,
were hanging out in the 55. Then there was the 39G tank with the two Goldfish. Moving time had
arrived. Fellow club member Bryan Nelson graciously offered to put my fish up for a couple of
weeks. It was an ideal situation as Bryan's house was just 3/8 of a mile and on the same water system
as we would be. I was very glad that I wasn't trying to move the former number of fish. Even at this
reduced number, the challenge was formidable and I was glad to only be moving just a few dear
favorites.
All went according to 3-tank-plan until the middle of February when another fish friend called
to say that she had to give up her Tropheus duboisi. For some odd reason, I caved in. This friend, by
the way, was the very same friend who about five years ago at an NEC auction grabbed my bidder
card and "forced" me into getting Hoover. How does this woman get my co-operation every time?
Predictably my husband began complaining, "Another tank? I thought you were staying at three?!?"
I countered with, "Oh it's just one more tank. Really-- I'm stopping here. Honest." Over the past few
months I've grown really attached to the Tropheus. And the Splash Tetras I brought home from a
monthly BAS meeting auction. And the Cardinal Tetras that I acquired as well. Eight months after
moving, I was only one tank over my self imposed limit of three with that addition of the Tropheus.
But the Tropheus needed a good home, right? (Fishkeeper Fib #78) The other fishes that had come
to reside here were to fluff out the top half of two tanks since all the residents were bottom critters
(Fishkeeper Fib #128 pt. 2; That tank looks empty).
Then this month I caved in again. I've always loved Bettas. In fact that was the very first fish I
got as a child of 12 or 13. After about 45 minutes of studying the nearly 60 containers of Bettas at a
local fish store I decided on a lovely electric blue with accents of red, male Betta. He's living large in
a 5G tank, well planted with lots of crypts and a species of Rotalla and an Aqua Clear Mini. This fish
cannot believe his good fortune. Naturally at the sight of another tank my husband rolled his eyes
and muttered something about the increasing tank numbers around here. I looked him square in
the eyes and earnestly said "This is my last tank. Honest."