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40 Pages·2014·13.7 MB·English

by  John Todaro

A
QUATICA
THE ON-LINE JOURNAL OF THE BROOKLYN AQUARIUM SOCIETY
VOL XXVIX MAY ~ JUNE 2014 No. 5
1
103 Y E A
EARS OF DUCATING QUARISTS
A Q U A T I C A
V O L . X X V I X M AY - J U N E 2014 NO. 5
C S
ONTENT
PAGE 2 THE AQUATICA STAFF PAGE 19 YELLOW SHRIMP.
Information on the care and needs of
PAGE 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS the yellow shrimp,
BAS Events for the years 2014 - 2015. Neocaridina heteropoda.
BRAD KEMP, BAS
PAGE 4 BAS 2014 PHOTOCONTEST.
PAGE 21 HOW TO MAKE A
The rules for our second photo contest.
PLECO “CHRISTMAS TREE.” An
Take your best shot and send it in...you
interesting article with full easy
may be a winner.
instructions and diagrams on how to
BAS Board
make a set of breeding caves for
Plecos and other cave dwelling fish.
PAGE 5 THIS OVERLOOKED FISH
ANTHONY P. KROGGER, BAS
MAY BE THE PERFECT AQUARIUM
FISH! Looking for the perfect
PAGE 23 COLT CORAL PROPA-
aquarium fish? This article will fill
GATION. Step by step instructions
you in on the perfect aquarium fish.
on how to propagate these corals by cuttings.
You may be surprised at what fish it is!
Not to worry; corals do not feel pain. They have
JOHN TODARO, BAS
no nervous system.
MICHELLE STUART, FISHTANKSANDPONDS.NET
PAGE 7 HOBBY HAPPENINGS.Further
adventure of Larry Jinks in breeding fish.
PAGE 26 HOW LONG WILL MY FISH LIVE?.
LARRY JINKS, BAS, RAS, NJAS
Here are the answers to that often asked question.
Shirlie Sharpe, ABOUT.COM FRESHWATER
PAGE9 LIFE WITH LIMIA VITTATA. Personal
AQUARIUMS.COM.
experiences in breeding this interesting livebearer fish
from Cuba.
PAGE 28 Importance of Nutrients for Coral
ANTHONY P. KROGGER, BAS
Reefs Highlighted by Scientists. Learn more
about what nutrients corals reefs need to survive.
PAGE 11 ADVENTURES WITH
SCIENCEDAILY.COM.
PSEUDOTROPHEUS ACEI. A detailed report on
breeding this beautiful mouth brooding fish from
PAGE 30 Leaving Your Fish Without Losing
Lake Malawi.
Your Mind. If you’re not sure what to do with your
JOE GRAFFAGNINO, BAS
fish before going on vacation...read this article.
ANN WHITMAN, TFCB
PAGE13 TREATING TAP/SOURCE-WATER
FOR MARINE AQUARIUM USE.An in depth
PAGE 32 PUTTING AQUARIUMS IN THE
report on treating tap water for chemicals that
LIMELIGHT. Behind the scenes article about the
are deadly or toxic for marine set-ups.
hit TV show “Tanked,” explaining how they set up
ROBERT FENNER, WETWEBMEDIA.COM
“instant” maine tanks. Lots of TV magic.
ROBYN BRIGHT, PETBUSINESS.COM
PAGE 17 THE PRACTICAL PLANT. Propagating
Tonina fluviatalis,this plant is rarely found in aquarium
PAGE 35 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS. THEY
stores but worth looking for. Izzy tells you where to find it.
SUPPORT US. WE MUST SUPPORT THEM.
IZZY ZWERIN,BAS
PAGE 36 SPONSORS ADS.
PAGE 18 FROZEN SEAFOOD CHOWDER. A
recipe for marine fish that may be eating you out
PAGE 39 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION.
of house and home. An inexpensive recipe that
you can make and freeze.
JOHN TODARO, BAS
2
A F
QUATICA STAF
Editor: John Todaro ContributingWriters: Shirlie Sharpe
Associate Designer: Ginny Cahill Robyn Bright Michelle Stuart
Copy Editor: Kay Martin Robert Fenner John Todaro
Freshwater Shrimp Editor: Brad Kemp Joe Graffagnino Ann Whitman
Plant Editor: Izzy Zwerin Larry Jinks Dr. Jörg Wiedenmann
Marine Editor: Open Brad Kemp Izzy Zwerin
Exchange Editor: Stuart Hershkowitz Anthony Kroeger
Illustrations: JohnTodaro Dr. Robert M. Price
Chris Giam
Allarticles in Aquaticaare the opinion and experiences of
Julia Noonan the author or authors, and do not necessarily represent
the opinions of the editors or staff of Aquaticaor the
Shelly Sacks
Brooklyn Aquarium Society Inc.
Note: The Editor takes full responsibility for misspellings and punctuation errors.
AQUATICAis published on line bi-monthly (except July/August) by BAS. Original articlesmay be reprintedby othernon-profit organi-
zations, provided proper credit is given to the author and AQUATICA, and two copies are sent to theExchange Editor. Transcriptions of
lectures may not be reprinted without written permission of both Editor and the Speaker. A notice of where original AQUATICAarticles
have been published should be sent to the BAS ExchangeEditor; Stu Hershkowitz,P.O. Box 290610, Bklyn, NY 11229-0111
AQUATICAwill exchange publications with all interested societies. If we do not receive your publications for threeconsecutive
months, we will assume you no longer wish to exchange and your club may be removed from our mailing list.
ALL CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THIS PUBLICATION SHOULD BE SENT TO:
• Editor: John Todaro, 247 Middletown Road, South Londonderry VT, 05155 - Phone: [phone]
Fax: Same. You can submit articles to the Editor by mail, fax, or E-mail to: [email protected].
The Brooklyn Aquarium Society Inc. is a non-profit organization 501(c) (3) for peopleinterested in the aquariumhobby and the study of
aquatic life. The Society meetsthe 2nd Friday of each month except July and August at the Education Hall of the New York Aquarium at
Coney Island, Surf Avenueat West 8th St., at 7:30 PM. Meetings are open to visitors. Refreshments are served. Membership is $25 per year
family/$20 individual/$15 for studentsunder 14.Send inquiries or membership checks payable to:
Brooklyn Aquarium Society, c/o Membership Chairperson, P.O. Box 290610, Brooklyn, NY 11229-0011.
BROOKLYN AQUARIUM SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS Exchange Editor: BOARD MEMBERS
President: Stuart Hershkowitz Bill Amely
Joseph Graffagnino Membership Chairperson: John Fox
1st Vice President: Christina Cingari Marty Karfinkel
Steve Matassa Sergeant-at-Arms: Gennady (Gene) Kogan
2nd Vice President: Lita Goldberg Tomas Lis
Marie Licciardello Recording Secretary: Dr. Robert M. Price
Treasurer: Kay Martin Charles Stein
Denise Hershkowitz Web Master: Alfred Turrisi
Corresponding Secretary: Bernard Deren
Dan Smith Editor:
John Todaro
3
B A S Y
ROOKLYN QUARIUM OCIET
CALENDAR OF EVENTS ~ 2014•2015
MAY 9 Giant Spring Auction ~ Freshwater fish, plants, marine fish,aqua-cultured corals & dry goods
including a 55 gal. tank & stand.
JUN 13 Chuck Davis ~ Gizmos, Gadgets and Other Good Ideas ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,
freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction. BAS elections.
JULY/AUGUST - NO MEETINGS
SEPT 12 Greg Sullivan ~ Saltwater for the Squeamish ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwater
fish, plants & dry goods auction.
OCT 10 Giant Fall Auction ~ Freshwater fish, plants, marine fish, aqua-cultured corals & dry goods,
including a 55 gallon tank & stand.
NOV 14 James Fatherree ~ Reef Basics ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals, freshwater fish, plants &
dry goods auction.
DEC 12 Holiday Party ~ Members, their families and friends, all you can eat sit-down dinner.
• Fish Bingo & Prizes • BAS awards presentations.
2015
JAN 9 TBA Freshwater~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwaterfish, plants & dry goods auction.
FEB 13 Joe Yaiullo - Marine TBD ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwater fish, plants & dry goods
auction.
MAR 13 Discus Hans - Discus ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwaterfish, plants & dry goods
auction.
APR 10 Todd C. LaJeunesse - The Intriguing Evolution of Palau Corals~Marine fish,aqua-cultured
corals,freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction.
MAY 8 Giant Spring Auction ~ Freshwater fish, plants, marine fish,aqua-cultured corals & dry goods
including a 55 gal. tank & stand.
JUN 12 Lou Ekus ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction.
JULY/AUGUST - NO MEETINGS
SEPT 11 TBA ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction.
OCT 9 Giant Fall Auction ~ Freshwater fish, plants, marine fish, aqua-cultured corals & dry goods,
including a 55 gallon tank & stand.
NOV 13 TBA ~ Marine fish,aqua-cultured corals,freshwater fish, plants & dry goods auction.
DEC 11 Holiday Party ~ Members, their families and friends, all you can eat sit-down dinner.
• Fish Bingo & Prizes • BAS awards presentations.
4
BAS 2014 Photo Contest
OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO PHOTO SUBJECT RESTRICTIONS:
ENTER OR WIN Photos must be appropriate for category entered. Photos
unrelated to the contest or of questionablecontent will
HOW TO ENTER: not be considered. BAS retains solediscretion as to
The 2nd Brooklyn Aquarium Society Photo what constitutes appropriate content. Photos must
Contest will beannounced Friday May 9th not contain people or other objects other than the
2014 at the monthly Society's meeting, All en- subject for the category entered.
tries will be accepted until Sunday October 13th, DEADLINE:
2014. The results of the Contest will be announced on Contest ends midnight Sunday October 19th, 2014.
November14th, 2014 at the Society's monthly meet- Any late entries will not be considered.
ing, as well as the awards ceremony. Digital photos PRIZES:
must be submitted to basnyphotocontest.weebly.com Prizes for each category to be announced during the September
in JPEG format. Photos submitted must be 6 MP or 12th, 2014 BAS meeting, on the basnyphotocontest.weebly.com
greater. As a condition of registration, you will be site, on the BROOKLYN AQUARIUM SOCIETY Facebook
required to fill out all spaces marked with an asterisk page, andon our web site (WWW.BROOKLYNAQUARIUM-
(*) to signify that you accept and agree to be bound SOCIETY.ORG).No substitution or transfer of prize
by these Official Rules. With each submission, permitted by winner. Sponsors reserve the right to
participants must include the following: substitute prize of equal or greater value.
1)Name of Photographer. JUDGING:
2)Phone Number. Entries will be judged on the basis of overall photographic quality,
3)Email. showing clarity and effectiveness in conveying the beauty
4)Screen name under which they wish to appear. and/or unique character of the object in their respectivecategories.
5)Category in which photo is to be entered. A panel of judges consisting of representatives of the Contest's
6)Scientific and Common Name of Subject in Photo. sponsors as well as members of the BAS Board will judge the
CATEGORIES: entries and all contest decisions are final.
FRESH WATER WINNERS:
• Best Aquascape The judging panel will select 19 winning entries (one per
• Best Nano Aquarium (2 ½ - 10 gallons) category). Winners and all prizes will be announced and
• Best Mid-sized Aquarium (12 - 40 gallons) presented during the BAS November 14th, 2014 meeting. For
• Best Large Aquarium (50 + gallons) any winner not able to attend the meeting,the prize will be kept
• Spectacular Freshwater Fish at BAS until the December12th, 2014 meeting. If the winner/s
• Most Fabulous Plant fails to collect the prize as mentioned earlier, the prize/s will be
• Most Amazing Freshwater Invert mailed to the contestant.
• Best Freshwater Photo (any category) PHOTOGRAPHER/COPYRIGHT:
• Awesome Ponds Entries must be submitted by the original photographer. Do not
• Best Fully Aquatic Creature in its Environment submit a photo taken by someone other than yourself. You must
SALT WATER be the sole owner of the image submitted.By submitting your photo,
• Best Aquascape you guarantee that you are the author and copyrightholder of the
• Nano Aquarium (2 1/2 -10 gallons) photo. By submitting, the contestant waives all rights upon
• Best Mid-sized Aquarium (12 - 40 gallons) submission and therefore has no recourse whatsoeverin the use of
• Best Large Aquarium (50 + gallons) the photo. Winner agrees by submitting photos for consideration
• Spectacular Saltwater Fish that they may be used by the sponsors of our contest who donate
• Most Breathtaking Coral Reef the prizes, in their advertisingor other promotional effortsat no
• Most Amazing Saltwater Invert additional remuneration. Winning entries will be published in
• Best Saltwater Photo (any category) BAS publications and on our Web site.
• Best Fully Aquatic Creature in its Environment ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
PHOTO ELIGIBILITY: BAS is not responsible for computer system, hardware, software,or
To enter, you must be a member of the Brooklyn Aquarium Societyin program malfunctions or other errors, failures, or delayed
good standing or an active (at least 5 posts in the prior 3 months) computer transactions or network connections that are human
member of the BAS Forum. No age restrictions. BAS judging or technical in nature. Furthermore, BAS is not responsible for:
individuals and their immediate family are not eligible. Entries thatfail (i) lost, misdirected, misplaced, illegible, unintelligible, incomplete,
to comply with the Official Contest Rules will be disqualified. or late entries or (ii) any act, failure to act, or delay regarding
IMAGE MODIFICATIONS: the transmitting or processing of entries. BAS reserves the right,
Minor digital enhancement is permitted, but images that have in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend all or any portion of
been significantly modified or appear unnatural will be disqualified. this contest without notice. BAS is entitled to interpret these
NUMBER OF ENTRIES: rules as needed and its decisions are final. BAS reserves the
An individual may submit a maximum of three (3) photos per category. right to disqualify any entry that BAS has reason to believe is
not the original work of entrant, or does not otherwise meet the
contest rules.
5
John Todaro - BAS Illustration - Shelly Sacks
This Overlooked Fish
May Be The Perfect Aquarium Fish!
What qualities would you give the perfect dream
tropical aquarium fish?
How about the following;
T he fish should be able • It shouldn’t get too big, • And for serious breeders
to live in the water that say up to about 2 to 3 inches. looking for a challenge, it
comes right from the tap. • Naturally, it should be would be nice to be able to
• Be able to live in cool colorful. develop different strains of
water, say, the high 60˚ to • It has to be peaceful, and color and finnage.
the low 70˚F, get along with other fish. • And, oh yes, how about
• Will eat anything. • It has to be easy to breed. being able to cross breed
• It should be happy in any • The fry have to be able to take the fish with a different
size tank. careof themselves from the species in the same family.
moment they are born.
Okay, no such fish exists, you say.
Right? Wrong!
6
Introducing the often underrated and over- fins. The platies have been hybridized with
looked... Xiphophorrus macuilatus or swordtails, Xiphophorrus hellerito create the
better known as the Platy! strains you find in pet shops.
Yes, folks, often considered a beginner’s Now, after touting the platy as the perfect
fish,it just might be the perfect aquarium fish. It fish, I must insert a caveat here. Like any living
has all of the qualities of the dream tropical fish. creature in your care, you should not take its
Let’s check it out! toughness as a sign that you can abuse it any
Platies come from the lowlands of central more than you would other more delicate fish.
America where the water remains cool most of the Platies deserve clean water, well maintained
year, but even if the temperature goes up, these aquariums and proper feeding. When these conditions
fish can take it. are met, it just might be your perfect aquarium fish.
Platies are livebearers, easy to breed and can
be bred to develop brilliant colors and long flowing Reference: Livebearers, W. L. Whitern, TFH, 1979
Sunset Platy Hi-fin Wagtail Platy Mickey Mouse Platy
Scientific Name: Xipphophorrus The fry are large and accepts small
macuitatus. flake food. Fry grows fast.
Common Name: Platy Remarks: In their native habitat,
Origin: Central America, Mexico. this species lives in very clear,
Guatemala, Honduras. oxygen rich, alkaline waters.
pH Range: 7.0 - 8.2 Strong filtration is advised to
Temperature Range:64˚ - 79˚F maintain high oxygen levels.
Ideal Temperature:74˚ F Water should be moderately
Hardness:15 - 30 dkh hard, in the range of 15-30 dGH.
Life Span:4 years Breeders have developed a
Size: 2 inches multitude of color varieties,
Diet:Omnivore.Will eat most foods. orange, red, yellow, red/black,
Sexing:Females have a fuller stomach andblack/white, and are commonly
area. The males are slimmer and found in aquarium stores.
have a gonopodium. Reference:
Breeding:Livebearers. Females • About.comFreshwaterAquariums
give birth once every 4-6 weeks. • Wikipedia
Each brood contains up to 70 fry.
Wagtail Platy Red Salt & Pepper Platy Blue Platy
7
Larry Jinks RAS - BAS - NJAS
~
HOBBY
HAPPENINGS
Enough talk about I’m still working on
fishrooms, filters and BAP points, but I’m also
heaters already! Let’s having a lot of fun with
talk about fish and what’s old favorites that were
happening with spawned in the
the fish now. NJ fishroom.
When I spoke at the North Jersey AS auction he walked in and presented me
workshop in October 2011, I saw many of with two adult trios! I set them up that
my fish friends. Matte asked me if I’d like night in a 5 gallon plastic tote in my hotel
to try working with some white Altolamprologus room. I’ve learned never to go to a fish
calvus. I jumped at the chance, figuring he workshop or convention without the ability
would bring me some fry. The day of the to house and transport fish.
8
They weathered the trip to NC were thrown in for good measure. Since,
successfully and were set up in a 20 gallon then, cylindricus are busy establishing
long with a sand substrate, rocks and some territories and the Cyprichromis have
whelk shells that had been gathered on spawned. I didn’t see the spawning, but
the bayside beach on a family trip to Cape noticed one of the females holding. After a
Cod. They did very well feeding on Ken’s week, she was moved to a hang on tank
flake, live black worms and live baby about 6” x 12” that was given to me by
brine. Along the way spawning behavior Mike Sheridan when he cleaned out to
was noticed, but no fry. move to Florida. An airstone and a piece
May 2013 I was giving my catfish of coral were added to give the female
talk at the NJAS monthly meeting and some shelter and give the fry a haven
discussed the calvus with Matte. He was when she released them. After a couple of
sure that they were spawning and said to weeks, she released one baby. A few days
remove the shell, female and all, to another later, two, one dead and one live. A few
tank. When home I finally got around to days later, I noticed a bunch of fry, so I
following his advice, but only had a plastic proceeded to net and move the female
2 ½ gallon tank available. After filling it back into the tank. Unfortunately one of
with water from the calvus tank and the fry escaped into the tank. Bye-bye
adding some crushed coral and an aged baby! I’m sure the cylindricus enjoyed him.
sponge filter, the shell was moved with the Total eleven fry recovered, one dead and
female in it. The next day I saw a few fry one MIA. They were moved to a 2 ½ gallon
in among the crushed coral on the bottom. tank with crushed coral and a sponge filter
Monitoring continued each day and when and are doing well feeding on live baby
I could count at least six fry, the shell with brine and crushed flake.
the female was moved back to the 20 long. Next month, we’ll discuss the barbs
There were at least 20 fry in the 2 ½ gallon and corys that are spawning. I still have to
tank, which are happily feeding on finish the cyprinid specialty award for
crushed flake and live baby brine. I’m NJAS. I’m looking forward to the NJAS
prepared for the long haul as these fry 60th Anniversary Weekend in October and
grow quite slowly and I don’t anticipate seeing many fish friends. If you see me,
turning them in for points in the near I’d like to get some constructive (!) criticism
future. Most BAP chairman like to be able and suggestions for my articles.
to see the fish!
y
At the May meeting, along with the
r
r
advice, Matte also gave me a group of five a
L
Cyprichromis leptosoma Mpimbwe “black
bee” and a half dozen 1 ½” Lamprologus
cylindricus. They both were set up in a 40
gallon breeder with a sand substrate and
rocks. A few terra cotta spawning caves
9
Anthony P. Kroeger - BAS
Life with
Limia Vittata
Photo: Goliad Farm
Limia vittataare beautiful, easy to
keep aquarium fish. Unfortunately,
they are usually not readily available
at most aquarium stores.
Myfavorite Limiaspecies is Limia vittata. I me the following day.
was first introduced to this fish about Rather than re-open the store since the
15 years ago during a Minnesota blizzard was so bad, I tucked the fish bag inside
blizzard. At that time I was working at a fish store.The my coat and took them home for the night.
weather that day was terrible. A following blizzard Arriving home and safely out of the storm,
was raging and the store was closing early. I opened my coat and looked at the fish in the
This particular store accepted customers’ bag to see what had been given to me.
fish for credit. I was the live animal department My initial impression was nothing special.
manager. As the assistant manager and I were Just some washed out juvenile marble mollies,
locking up the store, a car pulled up and in it was Poecilia vivipara. I acclimated them in a darkened
a woman with a bag of fish. The assistant manager 20 gallon long and thought nothing more about
said we were closed, but the woman insisted we them.
take the fish. I did and told her to come and see The next day I had to dig my car out of a