The Home Aquarium

Maintaining a saltwater aquarium will seem intimidating to a beginner. But, once you’ve gotten use to the routine it won’t seem near as tedious. Just keep in mind that the beauty of a marine tank is well worth the maintenance!

There are several things that need to be done on a daily basis to ensure that you system stays healthy. Catching any problems early can mean the difference between a minor problem and a major one.

You’ll probably enjoy your tank so much that you’ll be looking at it all the time, but at least once a day take a close look. Watch for any differences in the fishes appearance or behavior. read more…

A saltwater aquarium is the most beautiful aquatic display that you can have. It’s also one of most expensive and time consuming and you should make sure that you’re ready for the commitment before starting one.

Unlike freshwater fish, saltwater fish require stringent water conditions. The aquarium water must mimic sea water as closely as possible for them to survive.

Your first decision should be the type of fish you want to purchase. The size of the tank, the substrate and tank decorations will greatly vary depending on the species of fish. read more…

Common Names: Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid, Cobalt Blue Cichlid
Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus Zebra
Family: Cichlidae
Maximum Size:  5-6 inches
Life expectancy:  10 years
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F
pH Range: 8.0 - 9.0
Water hardness: 10 - 18
Temperament: Aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi

Aquarium Setup:
The Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid loves sandy substrates for digging and burrowing. Laterite based substrates work really well as they will also help in maintaining the required alkalinity.

They need caves and rock structures to have places to claim as their own territories. But, they are very active swimmers so make sure to leave them plenty of open room.

You should also include lots of small smooth gravel if you plan on breeding them. They will pick up the gravel and move it to a chosen spot to build their nest. read more…

Common Names: Buttikoferi Cichlid, Zebra Tilapia, Tiger Talapia
Scientific Name: Tilapia Buttikoferi
Family: Cichlidae
Maximum Size:  14 inches
Life expectancy: 10+ years
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82 °F
pH Range: 7.8 - 8.5
Water hardness: 10 - 15
Temperament: Aggressive
Origin: West Africa

Aquarium Setup:
If you use a dark gravel, the Buttikoferi Cichlid will be a darker color! You can try to use live plants, but they will eat almost any type of plant including Duckweed! Plastic plants are a better choice with heavily weighted bottoms.

Use small or medium sized gravel only, most Buttikoferi’s will pick up the gravels in their mouth and shoot them at the glass. Large size gravels could end in a cracked tank. read more…

Common Names: Demasoni Cichlid, Midnight Demasoni
Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus demasoni
Family: Cichlidae
Maximum Size: 3 inches
Life expectancy: 8 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 72-82°F
pH Range: 8.0-9.0
Water hardness: dH 10.0 - 18.0
Temperament: Aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi

Aquarium Setup:
Communities of a dozen or more fish are recommended to keep aggression at a minimum, so the Demasoni Cichlid needs a really large aquarium! There should be lots of free space for swimming, but also some rock formations to provide hiding places.

To help keep the pH at the required level sand or crushed coral intended for salt water tanks can be used. But, gravel is also an acceptable substrate.

Demasoni’s are very curious fish, providing lots of caves and crevasses will give them places to explore. It will also provide them with places to claim their own territories. read more…