Freshwater Fish Aquarium

This species is spotted on the posterior part of the body and to a lesser extent on other parts of the body.

Tropical gar, Atractosteus tropicus
A very rare species.

Manfari or Cuban gar, Atractosteus tristoechus
Looks very similar to the alligator gar and since it is very rare in the trade you can usually assume that your gar is an alligator gar and not a Cuban gar unless otherwise stated. The Cuban gar has a broader snout and lacks pattern on its body.

Beside these species there are a number of hybrids such as the

To retain the structural integrity of the tank, and to provide for "welling" up of the water ahead of its flowing back and over the down spouts. If you find your overflows are so large that theyre draining too much water to allow for the water level height, or have so much water in play that your sump volume is being overwhelmed with the power turned off, you can add "street" elbows that you can "turn up" or on their side/at an angle to adjust water height and transit volume.

Just make sure youre using 100% Silicone, not material adulterated with other matter for other applications.

3) Unions and valves that allow you to remove your pump/s w/o draining tanks, sumps... are they important? You bet! And now is the time to draw them in, plan on their purchase and installation. Exercise caution here, as there are a few types of these fittings... you dont necessarily want/need the more expensive higher rated ones, or even types made of exotic plastics, but you DO want "true" unions and "flush" valves... Terminology varies, but Ill try to explain wh

.. no detectable ammonia, nitrites; low nitrates (less than 10ppm), low phosphate (PO4, less than 0.05 mg/l), high redox (up to 425), elevated calcium (ideally 400-475 mg/l), pH 8.0-8.4, alkalinity 2.5-5 meq/l, near-saturation oxygen (generally about 7 mg/l)...

Here is a brief review of filtration types employed for reef use, with my comments on their suitability, and current

Tom and his tanks live, well, in a friary/secondary school in Maryland (U.S. east coast for you foreigners). I had the great fortune of meeting Tom, seeing his tanks on a visit to the Chesapeake Marine Aquarium Society (1999), giving pitches with Noel Curry (of Atlanta coral propagation fame) and Daphne Fautin (the Anemone Prof. from Kansas U.) Tom and his tanks at right.

Tanks: On to the tanks (see above at top right and below), two twenty gallon lon

African Cichlids in the aquarium

african cichlids

Cyprichromis leptosoma

The most popular African cichlids come from Lake Mal.

Tank Setup Expenses
Hey I was wondering how much you have spent on setting up a FOWLR or a reef tank w/o the livestock? It would deeply be appreciated if you posted every single equipment and its cost. Thanks.

LUMENARC Mini
Will two refectors be good on a 72" long tank 150gal. Or three. Anyone know the light spread. 400 watt 20k xms. Thanks.

Dragon Moray Eel
The Dragon Eel is one of the rarest and most sought after eels in the world. Due to this eel's aggressive and predatory nature it is often difficult to keep....