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Indigenous species
2007-03-15 08:41:00
This is a photograph of an indigenous species that I could not identify. I picked up this speciment from a small pet shop in Eastern region of India.
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Side View
2007-03-14 11:29:00
A side view of my 42 gl. Planted tank. A Corydora julii and a Clown loach can be seen in the photograph with one or two other species.
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Loaches
2007-03-13 12:47:00
The image shows an Indian spiny loach (Lepidocephalichthys thermalis) in my tank. Initially I kept him, along with few other specimens of the same species, in one 32 gl planted community tank. Later, when the 42 Gl planted set up for loaches was ready, I moved them in that, with other 4 other varieties of loaches – Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus), Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii), "Yoyo" Loach (Botia almorhae), Zebra Loach (Botia striata).Indian spiny loach (Lepidocephalichthys thermalis) is one of the small and peaceful loaches and could be kept with other fishes. Usually, loaches are very much friendly with other loaches, even if the other one belongs to a different species. They are also very peaceful with most of the common aquarium fishes. If you keeping loaches, then make sure to have a finer substrate such as river sand and lots of hiding places with plants, rocks, earthen pots (this one is best according to me), driftwoods etc. Loaches are particularly sensitive to tempe...

Guppies
2007-03-12 12:10:00
The photograph shows one of the breeding female Guppies in my tank. Guppies are the most favorite live bearer of mine, like thousand other aquarists from across the world. Guppy or Poecilia reticulata is probably the most popular freshwater aqurium species in the world. The fish is named after Robert John Lechmere Guppy (a British-born naturalist, 1836-1916) who has discovered this tiny fish in Trinidad, way back in 1866. However, this fish was known to European Aquarists, even before that.This is a very hardy fish, making it suitable for the beginners. It prefers hard water and can withstand salinity levels up to 150% seawater, making this fish suitable for even a marine tropical community setup.Its most famous characteristic is its tendency for breeding prolifically. It is known to give birth even while in transit from the pet shop to the home tank. The females are usually ready for conception again within a few hours, after giving birth and can use stored sperm from the previous ...
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Cryptocorynes
2007-03-10 12:00:00
Photograph of a group of Crypt o s in my one of my South Asian planted tanks. You can also see the Java ferns (Microsorum pteropus and var. Windeløv) on the driftwood. Cryptocorynes are grown in a vast region of South Asia, raned from India to Papua New Guinea and probably one of the most popular plants among aquarium hobbyists through out the world. It's been recorded that the first Cryptocoryne cultivation in Europe was started years back, in 1910. Though few Crytocoryne varieties are are avaialble in pet shops in almost every country of the world, some species are nearly to extinct.Find more details about Cryptocorynes on Crypts Pages.
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Common Pleco
2007-03-05 09:35:00
Here is a juvenile Comm on Pleco or Hypostomus plecostomus in one of my planted tank. I always introduce couple of juvenile plecos in my mew set ups, as new set ups are prone to be affected easily by brown algae and Plecos are very effective to clean this ugly brown stuff from the leaves of the plants, driftwood or other props that have been used in the tank. But there is only one issue in introducing Plecos in tank. Do remember that these Plecos can grow very large, sometimes 60 cm or more and as they grow up they can become very aggressive, especially to other Plecos. However, this is quite peaceful and hardy fish and ideal for beginners’ and community tanks, provided the tank is large enough to accommodate a grown up pleco. It does eat algae, but needs other foods like sinking pellets, lettuce, zucchini, sweet potato and green peas. Plecos will eat live plants in the tank, if regular food is not supplied. Do not forget to put driftwood in the tank, as they love to hang around th...

Golden CAE
2007-02-28 15:38:00
Above is a photograph of a Gold en CAE or Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) from my tank. This is also called as Sucking loach or Indian Algae Eater. As the name suggests, they are good algae eaters. But you need to be little careful while adding CAE in your planted community tank. Number one, they will eat but only when they are young. Grown up CAEs do not touch algae. Number two, grown up CAEs they can become very aggressive and territorial, causing trouble to other CAEs in the tank as well as all other inhabitants of the tank. Again, CAEs can grow up to 8”-10” making them unsuitable for usual home set ups. However, the golden variety of CAE is a nice addition to a planted tank. But, make sure you introduce him young; introduce only one or maximum 2 (if you have l-a-r-g-e tank) specimen of the species; create enough hiding places for other inhabitants, specially if you have other bottom feeders and algae eaters; plan for an old age home for the guy!The usual specime...
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Ludwigia repens
2007-02-22 12:56:00
A close-up of Ludwigia repens. This is one of my favorites among all fast-growing and less demanding Stem Plants. A native of North America, this plant is one of the most popular aquarium plants through out the world. It can survive with even medium light, but will show it's actual color, bright red, only if it gets high light. Like other stem plants, Ludwigia repens is very effective to fill the mid-ground or background of the tank, if planted in small groups. This plant needs to be pruned regularly and when pruned it develops numerous side branches and becomes bushy.
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Indian Aquatic Fern
2007-02-22 10:10:00
This is a floating India n aquatic fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides! Notice the thick bush of the roots that provides secured hiding places for the fries!
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New Set Up
2007-02-21 07:44:00
A new set up! Only livebearers are introduced initially with plants and other accessories to start the nitrogen cycle!Accessories: 1. River-bed Rocks2. Driftwood3. Fossil RockSubstrate: 1. 1" - 2" thick layer of 2-3 mm Calcium-free Sand on top2. 3" - 4" thick layer of 4-5 mm Calcium-free Sand in the middle3. 3/4" - 1" thick layer of 4-5 mm Calcium-free Sand mixed with rich red LateriteFlora:1. Anubias barteri2. Anubias barteri var. nana3. Anubias barteri var. angustifolia (''afzelii'')4. Microsorum pteropus5. Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv

Laterite in Substrate
2007-02-20 12:47:00
Red lily, Nymphaea stellata in 42 gl planted tank! The submerged leaves of Nymphaea, always look very good on glass tank.Tough, in tub and ponds, the floaters look better. As far as, the plant's prefernece is concerned, I noticed that they like to shoot floaters ( click here to see 'floaters' ), rather than developing submerged leaves, if there is enough light. Like any other red aquatic plants, red lily, produces bright red leaves, if substrate is rich with irons! I use laterite soil, in the substrate! It works!
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Madagascar Lace in my awarded tank
2007-02-20 12:06:00
One of my initial planted set ups, mostly mixed plants - from various biotopes and geo-locations! It was pretty, but it never had any strong characteristic! However, my favourite Madagascar Lace (Aponogeton madagascariensis) was there in this set up!In 2004 I have recieved an award for this set up! Click the link below to see details: 2004 Photo Ace Contest by About.comMadagascar lace is a quite difficult species. It requires nutrient rich substrate, enough light, regular fertilization, co2 supply etc. Though it could be kept in a community set up with other species (except few aggressive and fast growing species like hornwart or pistia etc), it is so demanding that people prefers to put it in a separate tank to provide more care. Even if planted with other plants it is suggested to keep few inches away from other plants just to ensure it receives proper light without being guarded by other plants. Just to give this plant a little more advantage.This plant has a long dormant period....
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Planted Nature Tank
2007-02-20 06:33:00
Freshwater Plan ted Tank of Samit Roy
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Aquarium Tips: Part 5
2007-02-19 13:54:00
Tips that you must know before setting up an Aqua rium Part 5:9. Be aware of the “Beginners’ Blue”. The initial weeks could be frustrating, as your fishes might die suddenly, water might become cloudy or green, plants might die or get covered with ugly algae. Be patient. Try to understand the cause of the problem. Remember, the slow and steady still wins the race.10. Be prepared to spend time with your tank, fishers, and plants. You don’t need to spend all the time beside your tank or work vigorously everyday cleaning up buckets of dirty water. Just spend an hour or a half, everyday with your tank. Watch them, feel them, touch them, try to understand them. You will never regret that!
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Aquarium Tips: Part 4
2007-02-19 13:53:00
Tips that you must know before setting up an Aqua rium Part 4:1. NEVER get your fishes and tank together. It will take minimum a week or two, sometimes more, to prepare a tank for fishes. This is the MOST COMMON MISTAKE that everyone makes. You must allow the beneficial bacteria to settle down build colonies and start the nitrogen cycle. 2. Accessories are not always extra. Choose the filter, heater, air pump and the lighting system very wisely. Filter is the most critical equipment for a successful set up. There are various types of filters available in the market. What kind of filter would be right for you, will greatly depend on the type of set up you are planning to build, the size of your tank, the number of fishes you want to keep, their sizes and so on.
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Aquarium Tips: Part 3
2007-02-19 13:50:00
Tips that you must know before setting up an Aqua rium Part 3:1. Make sure you have electric connection and switch board adjacent to this space. You will require minimum 3-6 plug points with individual switch, depending on the size of the tank and type of set up. DO NOT forget to check the earthing and wirings carefully. Electricity leakage in tank could be fatal.2. Always go for the largest possible size that fits in that space and your budget of course. NEVER think like the mythical fool who said, “Let’s begin with a smaller one! I will buy a larger tank, if this does well!” You will be sorry. It won’t do well, if you are a beginner. The smaller tanks are harder to maintain and could be done only if you have enough experience.
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Aquarium Tips: Part 2
2007-02-19 13:48:00
Tips that you must know before setting up an Aqua rium Part 2:1. NEVER plan to keep your tank in the areas where you and your family members move very frequently, like in a narrow corridor or beside the doors or on the center table of your living room! Also, try to keep it away from the reach of the kids and other pets.2. Avoid the space that gets direct sunlight, even if it gets sun for few minutes a day and for few months of a year. If your tank gets sunlight, even for a few minutes, you will have tough time with algae.
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Aquarium Tips: Part 1
2007-02-19 13:42:00
Tips that you must know before setting up an Aqua rium Part 1:1. Your aquarium is not a lifeless toy or showpiece like your Ming flower vase or Michelangelo replica. It is a living being – growing, breathing, aging like us. You need to treat it as a sensible and delicate life form. The idea is to set up a replica of the living nature, in a very small scale.2. Decide the place you want keep your tank, before you buy it. Measure the space. Remember, you will need minimum 2’ wide area on both sides of the tank and 1’ at the back. You will need this area to maneuver your tanks and sometimes to keep accessories.
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