Tank Journal - Hillstream Temperate River

[panda_cory]

Ok, thats a bit wierd, they must have them all on the same system and couldnt be bothered having a tropical and separate coldwater system

 

[fishprotector]

Something like that, but it is a large nationwide reputable store named after a town in Berkshire.

 

[panda_cory]

What is it called?

 

[fishprotector]

Sorry thought the clue would give it away. It's maidenhead aquatics.

 

[panda_cory]

I though so but wanted to make sure.

The one I go to have actual coldwater tanks and they have the tanks in bays for systems the coldwater is on the same system as the chilids and they are both at the right temp.

 

[Zaphod1]

Excellent tank! I had a hill stream river tank in the past and it was probably the most interesting of them to watch. I was lucky enough to see some wild Sewellia lineolata a couple of months ago in Vietnam whilst doing some jungle trekking.

 

[fishprotector]

Excellent tank! I had a hill stream river tank in the past and it was probably the most interesting of them to watch. I was lucky enough to see some wild Sewellia lineolata a couple of months ago in Vietnam whilst doing some jungle trekking.

That is absolutely amazing, I would love to see them in their natural environment.

Did you have a chance to stop and study them? Would be nice to know how their behaviour in a natural environment compares to that in a tank setup.

Would also be nice to see some pictures as well if you managed to take any.

 

[fishprotector]

Well I was having a great day today. Not usual for a Thursday at work, but a combination of the nice weather and possibly the fact that someone bought me a real coffee (I only drink decaf normally) made me very jolly.

I took a detour on the way home and went to my LFS. Anyway I thought whilst they are still there and because I have never seen them anywhere else, that I would get two more A.Normani. I got two that were almost as long as mine, but broader. I could not find anything on the net about sexing these beauties, so I thought that two with a different body shape might be the opposite sex from my current ones. Time will tell I guess. Their pattern is also slightly lighter, but this could have been the small warm tank they were in (27 degrees C ).

I drip acclimatised them for three hours whist I did a water change on my other tank and went mountain biking. They are currently getting used to their new home with the powerhead and light off. I will turn the powerhead on after around another hour with the light, giving them a chance to get used to the lower temperatures first before the flow starts.

Here is a picture of them in the bucket getting ready to be acclimatised:

The other two took a while to get settled in, so I will get some other pictures up as and when I can.

 

[fishprotector]

I just turned tbe light back on and straight away saw at least twenty Goby fry of around 4mm on the glass. It was a lovely sight. It also looks like the P.Myersi have bred again as there are a fair few fry hanging around aswell. Good times

 

[minnnt]

The Normani are stunning, really interesting fish!!

I think you should just post me some of the Gobies you have for free.

 

[fishprotector]

The Normani are stunning, really interesting fish!!

I think you should just post me some of the Gobies you have for free.

They are an interesting fish, probably my favourite species at the moment. I know I only added the second two yesterday, but they have transformed the two I already had. They have been moving around in a group this evening and are clearly a very social species. Lets see what happens!!

Hmm nice try but not so sure about that, not just yet anyhow

 

[minnnt]

 

[fishprotector]

Well sad news this morning as I woke to find one of my new A.Normani dead

Checked the water stats and they were PH 6.4, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 5. The only thing that I can think of is that it didnt take too kindly to the acclimatisation having been at 27 degrees previously.

Took it back to the shop with a water sample and got a free exchange for another one as it was within 48 hours. It is currently drip acclimatising in a bucket with an airstone on low power. Hopefully this one will be ok.

Oh and we also rescued a Black Ruby Barb from the shop as it was the last one in the tank with lots of goldfish and loaches. It looked so stressed and lonely. Seems to be doing ok in my other tank now though and is colouring up nicely. That takes the shoal back up to 17

 

[minnnt]

Thats awful mate! Glad you got it sorted in the end though.

Great news on the Ruby Barb too.

Guess what... my LFS stock A. Nomani. How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

 

[fishprotector]

Thats awful mate! Glad you got it sorted in the end though.

Great news on the Ruby Barb too.

Guess what... my LFS stock A. Nomani. How much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

Ohh really, only ever seen them in the one shop up to now. What kind of size where they? Not sure how much mine were each, but they were two for £25.

You thinking of getting some mate?

My tank is currently upstairs on a desk, but we have decided to move it downstairs. I need to make a cabinet first though. Started work on the hood today. Went to b&q and got enough wood in offcuts to make the hood and more for £5!! Need to go back and get the rest this week.

This will finally allow me to upgrade the lighting aswell to twin 39w T5's. Currently runninng one 15w T8 and struggling to grow algae past a certain stage. This should give it the kick it needs, with over five times as much wattage as we currently have!! Will order the starter this week and get cracking.