Post any articles you've written here Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:07:10 +0000 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:07:10 +0000 Tropical Aquariums SA https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/forums/articles.106/ Sun, 30 May 2021 23:52:38 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/invasive-species.36242/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/invasive-species.36242/ invalid@example.com (Kendrick) Kendrick
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3_6]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2021 20:50:11 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/a-guide-to-keeping-and-breeding-walter-worms.35691/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/a-guide-to-keeping-and-breeding-walter-worms.35691/ invalid@example.com (Aquarist) Aquarist Vocabulary-Builder
Nematode [noun]: 1. A worm-like organism that belongs to the Phylum Nematoda.


Introduction
Walter-worms are non-parasitic nematodes that are consumed by several species of ornamental freshwater fish, including bettas (Siamese fighting-fish), cardinal-tetras, ember-tetras, exclamation-point rasboras, green tetras, guppies, kubotai-rasboras, lemon-tetras, neon tetras, scarlet badis, and zebra-danions. Additionally, Walter-worms are consumed by...

A Guide to Keeping and Breeding Walter-Worms]]> 5 Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:40:44 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/what-is-the-goal-easy-planted-aquarium-method.8510/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/what-is-the-goal-easy-planted-aquarium-method.8510/ invalid@example.com (Laure) Laure
It's been 3 months now since I rebuilt this aquarium. I am pretty happy with the results and progress. At this point, all the plants are growing nicely,...

What is the goal? Easy planted aquarium method!]]> 43 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:18:33 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/how-to-make-your-own-driftwood.14231/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/how-to-make-your-own-driftwood.14231/ invalid@example.com (Barry.M) Barry.M Here is that article I wrote on the Wood:

Basically any fruit tree wood can be used: Apple, Pear, Guava (extremely hard wood), granadilla vine, Grape vine etc. I’ve even used a dead rose bush... Just turned it upside down, cut the trunk and trimmed the roots. Try to avoid any aromatic wood, like pine or blue gum. Pine has a turpentine smell and blue gum has a minty smell.
Regarding Grape vine, there are two types of grape wood. One type is a solid light colour, fairly soft and light,...

How to make your own driftwood]]> 21 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 08:20:49 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/raising-and-breeding-annual-killifish.21394/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/raising-and-breeding-annual-killifish.21394/ invalid@example.com (TheGrissom) TheGrissom How to hatch and breed killifish
Killifish can be classified into 2 groups - those that are annual killifish and those that are not annual killifish. Annual killifish tend to have short lifespans - typically less that a year and as a result the fish reach maturity quickly. Annual killifish have lifespans of a few years and take longer to reach maturity. The following instruction is from experience in hatching, growing and spawning N. Eggersi killifish.
Step 1:
Identify which...

Raising and breeding annual killifish]]> 6 Fri, 13 Dec 2019 21:10:23 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/fish-keeping-40-years-ago.4488/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/fish-keeping-40-years-ago.4488/ invalid@example.com (Cheetah) Cheetah Fish keeping - 40 years ago.


The fundamental difference between the Aquarist of today and the fish keeper of 40 years ago is just that! Fish Keepers are now being called aquarists on grounds of the increased scientific approach allowed for by advanced technology. But is it really?
...

Fish keeping - 40 years ago]]> 54 Sun, 20 Oct 2019 11:00:24 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/zooms-article-5-the-caution-of-co2.11976/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/zooms-article-5-the-caution-of-co2.11976/ invalid@example.com (Zoom) Zoom
CO2 fertilization is becoming more and more popular within the hobby. There seems to be a fair amount of suppliers starting to import the various items necessary for pressurized CO2, and we are starting to benefit from more competitive prices. I'm actually surprised at the amount of newer members who are starting out and...

Zoom's Article 5- The Caution of CO2]]> 14 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 06:27:43 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/proper-aclimation-of-fish.7784/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/proper-aclimation-of-fish.7784/ invalid@example.com (Sean J) Sean J

Ok, so most of us buy our fish from the LFS and take them home, float them in the bag for a few minutes and then dump them into the tank. This is Wrong. Why? Well, because the water parameters in the LFS and in your tank are probably 2 different things. Ever seen your fish go into stress colouration when you add them to your tank? Most of us have, so there is probably a reason for this. Also, do you dump the water from the lfs into your tank too? I used to be guilty of this...

Proper Aclimation of fish]]> 42 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 05:39:23 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/superb-tanganyika-sand-sifters-community-for-the-advanced-aquarist.28074/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/superb-tanganyika-sand-sifters-community-for-the-advanced-aquarist.28074/ invalid@example.com (Jack Stone) Jack Stone
Altolamprologus sp. Shell Sumbu x 6 = R1470
Callochromis melanostigma Magara x 7 = R2240
Cyprichromis leptosoma Yellow Head Kekese x 15 = R5925
Julidochromis regani Kipili x 2 = R320
Xenotilapia ornatipinnis Pearl Burundi x 6 = R2130
Neothauma shells x 20pcs (1 bag) = R299
--
R12 384

The average adult size per fish is around 10cm but this community should be provided with adequate floor space and sand to impress you and your guests.

The varied alluring courtship...

Superb Tanganyika sand sifters community for the advanced aquarist!]]> 9 Thu, 07 Mar 2019 15:46:27 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/the-importance-of-quarantine.7781/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/the-importance-of-quarantine.7781/ invalid@example.com (Sean J) Sean J
I have been thinking about this for quite some time now. Quarantine. Why is it important? Why is there a need for it? What do we need for a Quarantine tank?

There is no short answer to this question, and there are many ways of quarantining your fish. Let's start from the beginning.

Why?

Well, firstly, the Why: Go to any pet store in your area. They have fish that look healthy, and they have fish that do not look healthy. The most common disease is white spot...

The importance of Quarantine]]> 9 Sun, 03 Feb 2019 18:07:35 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/mikoji-wild-freshwater-documentary-media.32157/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/mikoji-wild-freshwater-documentary-media.32157/ invalid@example.com (Cale24) Cale24

His site also has some interesting articles and pics: https://mikolji.com/

Edit: I think I tried posting this already but can't find it haha.]]> 1 Mon, 10 Dec 2018 15:34:59 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/how-to-calculate-the-electrical-cost-of-running-a-tank.14043/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/how-to-calculate-the-electrical-cost-of-running-a-tank.14043/ invalid@example.com (Zoom) Zoom
You will need a few things first:

• The price per unit that you pay for electricity. Each area is different, and in some area's, the unit price actually increases and decreases seasonally. You can get this price off your electricity bill. For purpose of this example, my unit price is 98c per unit.
• The wattage rate on the equipment you are...

How to calculate the electrical cost of running a tank.]]> 32 Sat, 20 Oct 2018 00:03:49 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/for-those-going-through-a-tough-patch.31692/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/for-those-going-through-a-tough-patch.31692/ invalid@example.com (Aquaman) Aquaman
I follow this guy, Joey Mullen, on YouTube.

In a recent video he opened up on how fishtanks saved his life. This is so amazing to watch. If anyone needs some upliftment, go have a look.



Sent from my Nokia 7 plus using Tapatalk]]> 1 Mon, 28 May 2018 19:15:00 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/discus-for-beginners-an-introduction-to-discus-from-my-own-experience.20164/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/discus-for-beginners-an-introduction-to-discus-from-my-own-experience.20164/ invalid@example.com (dash) dash
When I first contemplated the idea of trying my hand at keeping discus, I did what most people would do. Google, Google and more Google was the order of the time. All that did was confuse me even more then I already was. Every person on the www, had their own views and opinions as to how to keep and care for these kings of the aquarium. Well, it was thanks to TASA and its fantastic discus keepers that I was able to get some info that kept me in good stead. It is for...

Discus for beginners. An introduction to discus from my own experience.]]> 22 Sat, 10 Mar 2018 06:24:13 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/proper-use-of-quarantine-facility.7287/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/proper-use-of-quarantine-facility.7287/ invalid@example.com (Marco) Marco
Recently there has been some members ending up with sick fish after introducing new fish to their tanks. Most people know that new arrivals should be quarantined, but still lack in knowledge as to the proper procedure for quarantine. I decided to post this thread as a 'guide' for correct QT procedure.

Firstly, a QT tank is no more than a bare bottom tank with a heater and sponge filter. I do not use any plants or decorations as these can form a playground for any of the...

Proper use of Quarantine facility]]> 42 Sat, 03 Feb 2018 04:19:49 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/aquarium-top.30438/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/aquarium-top.30438/ invalid@example.com (Tanya.S) Tanya.S
I'm new to the forum and was wondering if anyone knows where I can find the parts to build a mesh screen aquarium top, or can buy one?

Sent from my VFD 1300 using Tapatalk]]> 6 Tue, 26 Sep 2017 08:54:15 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/co2-regulator-solenoid-needle-valve.8156/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/co2-regulator-solenoid-needle-valve.8156/ invalid@example.com (Zoom) Zoom
Obviously first prize would be to buy a complete kit, but after some of my own research, and experience, I've actually found this to be a pretty expensive way to do it. But because I actually didn't know what I needed, or where to get it, I obviously...

CO2 Regulator / Solenoid / Needle Valve]]> 79 Tue, 16 May 2017 18:06:34 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/ro-water-and-its-basics.6904/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/ro-water-and-its-basics.6904/ invalid@example.com (Marco) Marco
@Zoom, you requested I start a thread on this subject, so here goes. Please note that this is by no means an attempt to scientifically explain all in infinite detail. See it rather as a beginner guide into basic water chemistry.

I will start by explaining a few things we as aquarists refer to often, and which is directly influenced when using RO water.

What exactly is RO water and why the hype?

RO water is water, from any source that has passed through a...

RO water and its basics]]> 16 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 10:55:18 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/zooms-article-1-starting-your-first-tank.3305/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/zooms-article-1-starting-your-first-tank.3305/ invalid@example.com (Zoom) Zoom
First things first. You will need...

Zoom's Article 1- Starting your first tank]]> 18 Tue, 08 Jul 2014 17:49:01 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/zooms-article-3-a-practical-guide-to-setting-up-your-tank.6813/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/zooms-article-3-a-practical-guide-to-setting-up-your-tank.6813/ invalid@example.com (Zoom) Zoom here & here. I would therefore suggest you read those 2 articles...

Zoom's Article 3- A practical guide to setting up your tank.]]> 24