Wish List

Haven't heard from the tank maker yet, but I already fantasizing about what setup to go for. As much as I love fronts, having another front tank may be a little boring. I am reminded of the malawi community tank that I had previously, which most guests have given very positive compliments. Hence would want to go for colours. However at the same time, I am still fascinated with tanganyikas and would very much like to setup a pure tangayikan tank with julies, shellies, altos, etc.

At the moment I am toying with the idea of having a malawi & tanga mixed tank. There are varying reports, advice regarding this. Purists will of course insist that they should not be placed together. I do consider myself a purist too..but the fact that I do not have the luxury of having a few tanks at home and yet wanting to own the various types of fishes is causing me to have second thoughts. Here's a good article about compatibility -> here

I am right now considering a community of predominantly tropheus (SP black Bemba and Ikola are my fav), a few julies (kilip regani), and a small group of mbunas (labs, demasoni). Apart from the julies, it does sound like i am setting a stage for WWE! haha..

No prob with the water parameters, diet, size, and aggression I hope.. Anyway this is the FANTASY right now..who knows, after Christmas, it may be back to fronts again!

New Tank!

A fellow forummer was trying to get rid of his 2ft cube tank recently. (The same guy who sold me the two multis). I asked for it and even brought my brother down to the place to collect it. It's free by the way. Anyway after carrying the tank all the way down from his flat to the car, we realised that it can't fit in! Had to carry it all the way back. That was such a big booboo. Frankly the tank looked so much bigger and heavier than I expected. Had arranged to get delivery service to transport the tank the next day, but alas when I re-measured the space that I was hoping to use for the tank, it just couldnt' fit. Had to apologize to the the dear brother for all the inconveniences caused. Though the tank was a little dirty, the potential was enormous. I could set up another non-fronts tanganyikan tank...too bad it didn't materialize.


Anyway, i have now decided to go for a 5X1X1.5 tank. The size is a little wierd as that's the only space I got...which is below my current tv console. CFO has put up minimal resistance, which I am taking that as a yes. Have asked for a quote and hopefully the new tank will be up and running by early 2005. Now that's what I call a christmas present!

Popeye Cured but Blind...

The swelling in the eyes has subsided, but the front seems to have gone blind. Even with my hands waving close to the tank, it doesn't bulk at all, and it is having difficulty finding food. Other than the whitish eyes, it is eating and swimming well. It does look a little lerthagic, but then what do you expect since it can't see anything? sigh..Seems like I may not be able to put this fella back into the main tank. Such a pity for a beauty like it. Will either have to let it remain in the quarantine tank or see if anyone wants to take care of it. Euthanasia will be the last resort.

Poor Front has Popeye

One of my nicer Zaire has developed popeye on one eye. Have since quarrantined it in a 1ft tank, used the usual salt bath + Interpet Anti-Internal Bacteria medication. So far, after 5 days, doesn't seem to show any improvement. IT is still eating and swimming well though.

Did some read-up on popeye and found that it is not a disease but rather a condition that could be caused by a few factors. Since it is only affecting one eye, it may suggest that it could be caused by an eye injury. If this is the case, it should recover soon.

More info here

Pseudotropheus Demasoni

Bought 7 fries from a fellow forummer for a token some of $8. Used to keep two of these in my previous community setup. Likewise, bought them as fries, watching them grew into such beauties. Have since given them to my dad when I converted the tank to my current zaire tank.

Since then have not forgotten these beautiful fishes. So, when the opportunity to buy the fries came along, I immediately grab it...knowing that I don't have a tank to keep them. hahah..which is why I had to sell away my two white lobsters.

The fries are doing very well, the colours are already showing. Been giving them a constant supply of baby brine shrimps and the ocasional TetraMin Baby. All went well until one of my fronts develop popeye and I need a quarrantine tank. The fries are now transfered to a plastic tank with only a airstone, no filter. I know I am taking a big risk. Am trying to do water change every 2-3 days for now until I collect the free 2ft cube tank this weekend.

New Multis Are Doing Fine

The two new multis bought from fellow forummer are enjoying themselves in the main tank. Even my original loner bought from CF is starting to be more active. The two multis cost S$40, which in my opinion is a good price as the one I bought from CF a few months back at the same size cost $40. The colour isn't as nice as the one from CF though, which has a nice gold coat. The other two are more brownish in colour.

Anyway, I am now trying to add one last fella to complete the picture for my tank. ie a bristlenose pleco. Have always read rave reviews that these ugly fellas are fantastic algae feeders, would really like to try that out. The algae growth rate in my main tank is manageable but for the 2footer, it's really bad. My hornworts are doing their job to reduce the nitrates but i think a bristlenose would come in real handy. Of course this does not solve the root of the problem with i think is due to my filter. I am using a Liberty 200 Eheim filter, but not using the recommended filter media cos they are so expensive. Am using normal sponge to do the mechanical fitration and biohomes for biological. Somehow i think the sponge is just now good enough.

Have also found out that there are many types of bristlenose catfish (all belonging to the aucinthus family). Already have a few offers after I have posted in the forum. Now waiting to choose the right one. May also be checking out a LFS which I was told has them.

Synodontis multipunctatus

Bought 3 of these small fellas (about 1") from C328. Place 2 in the temp 2ft tank with the 2 zaires that are for sale (yes, they are still not sold) and the a smaller but nicer one in the main tank. All goes well until today, when i saw the body of the little fella floating in the tank when i move some of my rocks..sigh...$29 down the drain in 4 days. Guess the fish is just too small to be with the fronts.




Just as you would have thought once bitten twice shy, I am collecting 2 more multis from a forummer who is selling away his setup of 50 tropheus and other fishes. These 2 multis are supposedly bigger, hopefully will make it in the tank.

Am also giving away my two white lobster and terrapin free to a student. Just don't have the time to appreciate them. Every week just clean the tank and ignore them for the rest of the time..better to find them a home.