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From the Editor
All this week is PetHobbyist’s 6th annual chat week. AquariumHobbyist has had some great guests so far, and tonight and tomorrow will prove to have two more added to that list.
Be sure to join us in the Fish and Marine Life Chat tonight December 11 at 8 pm EST when our special guest will be Julian Sprung from Two Little Fishies Inc. Julian Sprung is an author, photographer, aquarium design consultant and lecturer on marine aquariums, coral husbandry, and coral reef biology. Julian has a bachelor of science degree in zoology from the University of Florida, and has been keeping marine aquariums for over 30 years. Julian also is a co-founder and the Vice President of Two Little Fishies, Inc., an aquarium industry manufacturer and publisher.
Tomorrow night December 12 at 9 pm EST our special guest will be Dennis Gallagher from the International Marine Aquarium Conference, and the topic will be "The International Marine Aquarium Conference (IMAC) and What You Could Get Out of It".
Please visit Chat Week 2003
for a full schedule of all of PetHobbyist’s special guests.
We look forward to seeing you there!
PH Splendens
Forum Coordinator
PetHobbyist
Site Coordinator
Aquarium Hobbyist.com
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What’s Hot on AquariumHobbyist!
Visit these links to see what topics are hot on the AquariumHobbyist forums this week!
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Fish Chats
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In Fish and Marine Life
Friday 9-10 PM Fish Tales
Friday 10-11 PM Maquaculture
Sunday 8-9 PM Open Fish Chat
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December 11, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE?
Fish for Beginners
By PHPiaffe
Last month we talked about how to set up our tank, now let’s talk about what goes in it! I’m going to just give you a brief overview of a few families of fish that are suitable for a beginner because they’re hardy, easy to care for, and not demanding as far as water quality or feeding requirements. All of the fish I will discuss need water parameters that are close to perfect, as do all saltwater fish, but they can withstand some fluctuation with little ill effect. Now, lets get to the good stuff!
Damsels and Clownfish
 Damsels and Clownfish are very hardy, and for beginners it is easy to keep these families, which are so closely related that hobbyists discuss them as one unit. They will tolerate a wide range of water quality fluctuations, from brackish to way too salty, and they will usually eat whatever the hobbyist presents them with. Damsels are so hardy that many people use them to cycle their tank, and they come through with little to no damage. Also, damsels and some clowns have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive compared to most other saltwater fish. Damsels are aggressive though, and clowns, once they’ve paired off, will defend a territory against all comers. This is especially true of maroon clowns, which at times will bite aquarists who try to clean their tank! As far as diet is concerned, they will eat anything from flake to frozen to tiny pieces of fish filet. They’re not hard to feed at all. To keep these guys, make sure you have plenty of caves that they can retreat into if they get scared, and make sure your water quality is at least good, if not perfect.
Triggers
Aquarists consider Triggerfish to be one of the hardiest aquarium specimens that is possible to keep in captivity. They have the advantage of being aggressive and always hungry, and they become hand tame very easily, making them more of a dog than a fish to some people’s opinions. The downside of triggers, though, is that they are VERY aggressive and tend to eat their aquarium décor. Triggers will eat corals, and so are not suitable for a reef tank environment, and they will also chase and nip smaller fishes, and even sometimes fish the same size or larger than themselves, so they really should be in a tank on their own or with fish they cant possibly bully. Most triggers also get very big and should not be in a small tank, even though those cute juveniles at the aquarium store practically beg you to bring them home. Bringing a trigger into your tank can be the best and worst thing that has ever happened to you, so do your research, but most people will find having a trigger, if cared for properly, to be a very rewarding experience.
Puffers
Puffer fish are another hardy addition to many aquariums, but they don’t have as many of the disadvantages of some of the triggers. They will still eat a varied diet, though flakes are not an option because they’re not meaty enough, and they also tend to nip at tank mates. But puffers become even more tame than triggers, if that’s what you’re looking for, they will swim into the aquarists hand to be petted, and they will also learn to recognize their keeper, swimming to the front of the glass for attention whenever he or she walks into the room. Puffers are fairly undemanding and very easy to spoil, which most people will do without even realizing it, as they’re just so cute. Puffers come from all oceans, with the porcupine coming from the Caribbean. Divers often play with these gentle fish that come right up and gaze into their masks as if asking them what they’re doing down there. Puffers also tend to destroy their tank, however, and need larger systems.
Pseudochromis (or Dottybacks)
 Pseudochromis or dottybacks are the smallest member of the grouper family. Most species are easy to care for and hardy, and have the advantage of being smaller, so they are better suited for the small to medium sized tanks. Dottybacks eat a wide range of fare, from flakes to frozen shrimp and plankton. They also are not shy of eating, or trying to eat, tank mates up to 3/4ths their size, and for this reason should be the smallest member of the aquarium if this is possible. Also, they are extremely territorial and there shouldn’t be but one per tank unless the tank is HUGE. Make sure they have many caves from which to choose, and they will be happy hanging out in their cave and coming out to chase away intruders. Pseudochromis are happy and easy tank inhabitants for beginners and advanced hobbyists alike.
Zebrasoma Tangs
Zebrasoma tangs are one of the hardiest of the tang family, but they still are only included here with a warning. Water quality and forage for these animals must be perfect. Tangs as a family are very prone to parasite infections and marine velvet. They need to have vegetation available for them the entire time the lights are on in the tank, as these fish get the vast majority of their nutrients from grazing on algae all day on the reef. The meat protein that they ingest is almost incidental. In a tank of adequate size, ONE zebrasoma (that is, yellow, scopas, purple, sailfin, or desjardini) tang would be very happy as long as there is adequate rockwork and an area for open swimming. They do fairly well in a community tank setting, but there should only be one as the competition for food and swimming space between the tangs would be too great and stress both individuals unnecessarily.
Well, I hope I’ve given you some insight as to a few easy to keep, hardy, marine species for the beginner. If you have any questions, please visit the aquariumhobbyist forums, and we’ll be glad to help!
Until next month, keep swimming!
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Cichlids
By PHPhoenix
What is a Cichlid? Where did they originate?
 Cichlids come from the fish family Cichlidae. Origins are various parts of the world, which include: Africa, Asia, and South America. These fish are available in many different colors, and sizes. The most common variety of cichlids are the Angelfish and Oscars.
What are the different species of cichlids? Where can I find them?
Did you know that Angelfish, and Oscars are considered cichlids? Other cichlids that are common, or rare are:
- African Butterfly cichlid (Anomalochromis thomasi) - This is a peaceful fish and likes to be paired with it’s own kind. Housing should be at least 15 gallons or more. Water temperature should be between 75 - 82° F. degrees. African Butterflies are compatible with other community, or similar sized species. They will grow up to 3”, and will accept live food, frozen or dried food such as: bloodworms, pellets, flake food.
- African Peacock cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae) - They are a very peaceful fish that need a lot of rocks and plants for hiding. African Peacocks prefer to be with groups of the same species. You will need a minimum of 35 gallons for this beautiful fish, because the growth will reach about 6.5”. This cichlid is carnivorous, but will accept flake food.
- Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) – Peaceful, but tend to be aggressive towards other fish and prefer to be in groups of the same kind. A minimum of 30 gallons is required for housing, and temperatures should be between 75 - 82° F degrees. Angelfish grow up to 6”, and they will accept flake food and bloodworms.
- Blood Parrots - This fish is a mixture of a Severum and a Red Devil. They are peaceful, and compatible in community aquariums with smaller peaceful fish. Blood parrots need a minimum of 45 gallons, and prefer to be in groups of the same species. Water temperature should be between 72 - 82° F degrees. They need plants, rocks and other places in which to hide. Blood Parrots will accept cichlid pellets, flake food, bloodworms, live food, and other meats.
- Discus - These fish are peaceful, and prefer to be in pairs of their own kind. Discus need a minimum of a 55-gallon tank. The water temperatures should range from 76 - 84 ° F degrees. Discus are carnivorous, but they will accept live foods, flakes, pellets, and beef hearts. PH level should be between 6.0 - 6.5, and they will grow to be about 8”.
- Green Terror - The green terror is aggressive, and does not do well with other fish. Green terrors prefer to be by themselves. Housing needs to be a minimum of 55-gallons. Water temperature should be within 70 - 76 ° F degrees. This fish will grow to be 12”. Green terrors need rocks and other places to hide in the aquarium. This species will accept bloodworms, earthworms, cichlid pellets, and feeder goldfish. They need to have their food rotated on a regular basis to prevent digestive problems.
- Jack Dempsey - Jack Dempsey is aggressive and is only compatible with fish of similar size. Housing needs to be at least 45-gallons or more. Water temperature should within 72-77 ° F. degrees. Jack Dempsey fish will accept: earthworms, feeder fish, lettuce, pellets, and many other foods that are meat.
- Kribensis – This is a peaceful fish, but territorial and they like to be with groups of their own species. Kribensis need a minimum tank size of 20 gallons or more. This breed of cichlid is smaller when compared to other species. These fish are omnivorous and will accept flake food.
Parrot cichlid - This cichlid is peaceful, but prefers to be alone and will fight with males of the same species. Parrot cichlids need tanks over 55-gallons since they will grow to be about 12”. Parrots are omnivorous, and will accept flake and pellet food. Water temperature should range between 75 - 80 degrees ° F.
- Plain Goby - Plain Goby is another peaceful fish that prefers to be in groups. This cichlid needs a tank of at least 15-gallons. Since this species likes to hide, you should provide rocks, plants and other decor in the tank. Feed gobies flake food or pellets. Water temperature should range between 78 - 80° F. degrees.
- Ram – Many also know the Ram cichlid as the Butterfly cichlid or German Ram. This fish is peaceful, and loves to be paired up with it’s own species. The ram will grow to be 3”, which you can house them in a 15-gallon tank. Water temperature range should be between 72 - 82° F. degrees. Rams are another omnivorous fish that will accept flake food and pellets.
There are many other commonly found cichlids, but this is a basic list. There are some special cichlids that breeder breed for their color, and you can buy those through a breeder, or special order them with your local fish store.
What do I need to know about setting up a tank for cichlids?
It really depends on what species of cichlid you are getting. If you are a beginner, or want to devote a tank to cichlids, answer the following questions to yourself:
- What size of an aquarium do I want? This question relates to the type of fish that will be occupying your aquarium. The species, and temperament, size and space.
- What species do I want to purchase? Depends on what you are looking for. Do you want colorful, odd, large, medium, small, easy, hard, or community? Odd meaning an unusual shape. Large, medium, small are again sizes of fish. Community would be an aquarium of different species of fish.
- How much time, and money am I willing to spend on fish?
 Now that you have thought over the questions, and have decided it’s time to make that purchase. Aquariums come in different shapes, sizes, and of course prices. Cichlids are really better off in a minimum size of 15 gallons. Set up the tank 24-48 hours in advance, allowing chlorine to dissipate from the water, or use a good water conditioner. Now is also the time to decide whether you want to cycle your tank with or without fish. Please refer to past articles on cycling your tank:
Cycling Your Freshwater Tank
Fishless Cycling
Time To Add Fish
My tank is finished cycling now what? Now you go back to your local fish store to buy your fish. Choosing the right fish for you, make sure the fish you see are healthy, and no signs of illness. What is a species tank? A species tank is when you have only one species. It could be a combination of the same species.
 Once you have purchased your fish, allow the fish bag to float in water for up to 20 minutes. This regulates the temperature of the water in the bag to the same temperature in your tank. If you put your fish in your tank too soon, he or she might develop shock. Once the time is up, carefully cut the bag, and scoop the fish out of the bag, be careful not to add the bag water to your tank. It may take them a day or two to know their surroundings, and sometimes they may not eat the first day. Feeding times should be at least once a day.
Keeping and cleaning
You will need to clean your tank frequently. Why? This helps keep unwanted parasites, and viruses from attacking your fish. Do you have a siphon vacuum? You can get one at your local fish store. Remember do water changes every week, about 20 percent and add that percentage back.
What happens if my fish get sick?
If your fish become sick, depends on the type of symptoms he or she has. In order to have a healthy tank, you need to do water changes weekly as discussed in the above paragraph. There are certain antibiotics that are available to you at your local fish store.
 Well, I hope this helps you with your decision on Cichlids. Remember to research, before you buy. Plus, certain cichlids require larger aquariums, not all can live in smaller ones. Most important, some cichlids are aggressive, and can be mean to other fish. It is better to choose the right one that you will be happy with.
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