On Thu, 12 Sep 1996, Barry Meiklejohn wrote:
> Don't worry about boring anybody Rhonda, I think most of us would find this
interesting. Would I be able to get a copy of some of those articles you are
talking about to use in ANGFA Queenslands newsletter at some stage please. Ma
ny of our members are interested in planted aquariums and low maintenance
systems.
Just to let you all know, as sometimes Rhonda plays her system down a bit
(g), I've seen her setup and as a result of this, have now set up several
tanks in my backyard that are "natural." Finally! Something this bloody
hot climate is good for. ;-) The backyard of our condo has 2 large
citrus trees growing in it and most of the southern and western exposure
is blocked by these plus other trees and buildings. Thus, it is well
shaded. Not so much so, though, that I can't grow aquatic plants. To the
contrary, I've never had such good luck.
The system in my yard is as follows: tanks (larger ones are more temp.
stable), silica sand (#20), water, lots of plants, some fish (lots in
some of the tanks) and that's it. Oh, yeah. Once in awhile we do a water
change or two. And we feed the hel... heck out of them. ;-) There are
also snails and some buggy-like critters. Growth on the plants is
incredible, and some are flowering and/or sending out runners in all
directions. It has been as hot as 112 - 114 F for a week or two at a time
and most of the tanks and fish have done quite well. The tanks at/over 20
US gallons never even got up to 90 F. In the smaller ones, Peter has his
hardyheads, Red-finned Blue-eyes, and desert gobies, and all of them are
spawning. Not that we have any fry yet to show for this, mind you. ;-)
My guppies (hey, they're worth some money in these parts), baby
angelfish, baby Geophagus, asst livebearers, and, of course, rainbows
have all done quite nicely, despite a lack of both filters and frequent
water changes.
Now that I finally have some time to myself again, I plan on doing more
frequent water changes on these aquariums. Then we'll see some action! :-)
BTW, I've read both of the articles that Rhonda sent me, and I've seen
pics of her tanks at their best. You won't be dissappointed if you have
her send them out to you and/or reprint them. (Sorry to embarass you,
Rhonda). I'm having a blast with these tanks. :-)
Julie Z <><