Dec 23

Written by: Dee
12/23/2008 4:17 PM

     Welcome back to the tank trials!  The fish are all doing well.  Unfortunately the crawfish was lost several weeks ago.  It seems it had some sort of seizure and passed away.  I was saddend by its leaving.  During the past few months our Biology class were using other crawfish for an experiment.  I asked for and recieved several to bring home.  Although small, they are lively and quite good eaters.  Chicken liver seems to be their favorite.

I have captured a few red bellied dace for the smaller aquarium.  They are very colorful and have fit in well with the half dozen or more orange throated darters.  I have also added a great little madtom.  These are small catfish that live in and amongst the rocks during the day, coming out only at night to feed.  It will come out if I feed later at night.  This is the only time I get to see it.

Many times the larger fish have had to be moved/ or quarrantined.  They are defending their territory and can be aggressive.  More often than not, moving the smaller fish will not work,  it needs to find its place in the pecking order.

I am now feeding a combination of cooked bait shrimp and frozen blood worms.  The fish have grown considerably and seem healthy.  I do a 40 to 50 % water change 1 to 2 times per week.  I could lower the water changes by adding a bottom filter, but the waste water is great for the indoor plants right now!

Some of the inhabitants of each aquarium are becoming more familar with the routine.  this makes them seem as if they "know" me.  I like that feeling.  I have to remeber that these are fish.  I really enjoy having them to study and watch.

Stay tuned for more updates on the tanks!

Dee

See you at the river!

 

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