Captive Aquatics: An Aquarium and Ecology Blog

Mike Maddox Interviewed (again)!

I meant to post this back in June, but we've been so busy around here at Captive Aquatics that I forgot!  Anyways, our very own Mike Maddox was interviewed by Frank Reece of Blue Zoo Radio concerning our aquatic business and services, aquarium science, Mike's no-nonsense approach to hobbyist education (no, just because someone posted it on Reef Central doesn't make it true!), and more.

Mikemaddox_bluezoo

MP3 and WMA formats for those that want to download it rather than listen here. 

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All-In-One Nano Aquarium Thoughts

Robbert from Nano Reef Systems called me to discuss the state of today's nano aquariums, and what I th ought an ideal nano aquarium would have to offer.  I apparently have attained a reputation regarding nano reef aquariums, and Richard called me to let me know he sympathizes with my opinion regarding many of the all-in-one (AIO) nano aquariums on the market today: close, but no cigar. 

VorTech MP10 Video

Check out VorTech's new MP10 - the latest in their awesome line of pumps.  Almost as good as a closed loop!

MP10 in Solana 34-Gallon Cube

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Saltwater Aquariums: Taking the Plunge!

 Okay, so there you are staring at the amazing, interesting, and fascinating fish in the saltwater section of your local fish store.  You ask yourself, am I ready for a saltwater tank? Many freshwater hobbyist find themselves at this position after keeping freshwater aquariums for awhile, but are unsure if they should take the plunge into keeping and maintaining a saltwater tank.  Well, ponder no more because I have compiled a great check list for you, the freshwater hobbyist, to see if you are a ready to tackle a saltwater aquarium.

Fishing Regulations Enforced!

 From Fox News:

"SANTA BARBARA - Three fisherman are paying a $10,000 penalty rather than fight state and federal allegations they fished in the protected Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.  Investigators say Shane and Jason Robinson of Santa Barbara and Joseph Campopiano of Morro Bay, fished south of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands during a two week period in March 2008.

State and federal officials say it's within the sanctuary's no fish zone."

That marine sanctuary laws are being enforced, especially those in poorer countries, is great news!

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Beginner Hobbiysts: Avoid These Fish!

I wish I had someone to help me on deciding fish when I was new to the hobby.  I usually would be in the pet shop looking at the wonderful choices without any prior knowledge of the care requirements and specifics for my purchase.  Here is a list of the 5 fish beginner hobbyist should avoid when starting in the aquarium hobby.

Species Spotlight: Tiger Barb

Almost as popular as the neon tetra, Tiger Barbs are grabbing hobbyists with their interactive personalities and their interesting colors. A beginner fish for many freshwater aquariums, tiger barbs are highly recommended for the right aquarium setup.   Here is a quick overview on the care and requirements for the Tiger Barb.

Breed Your Own Fish: Guppies and Bettas

So you've been in the hobby for a few years and have possibly kept every community fish available.  Now what?  Many hobbyist try breeding their own fish.  Breeding aquarium fish is very fun, exciting and interesting.  There are many freshwater fish to try to breed that range from easy to difficult.  I have a short list of these possible fish and their breeding requirements to aide you in your choice.  This is a two part series and will only entail the general setups to start breeding your own fish.

Fluval G Teaser

Fluval's new 'designer' canister filter.  Review coming soon!

Do you think a filter can be a designer item? Comment and let us know!

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A Clam in your Nano Reef: Tridacna crocea

Traditionally, Giant Clams of the genus Tridacna (or simply tridacna clams) have been kept in larger reef aquariums, because larger reef aquariums are easier to illuminate, easier to supplement, and have the room needed for these accurately-named animals.  However, I think that one species of the giant clam; Tridacna crocea (the crocea clam) makes a good nano candidate as it's maximum size is around five inches.  I wanted to write a short piece that I hope will help everyone interested in clam keeping to achieve success with clams in their nano reef!