Cyprus-Forum.com

[skyvet]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone keep a tropical fish aquarium?

I've almost always kept one when I lived in the UK, and would like to do so again, but I was wondering about the problems of maintaining one out here in Cyprus with the ambient temperature etc.

Also, what about the water quality from the mains? Is it advisable to purchase bottled water for the initial fill?

Any advice/experiences would be gratefully received.

Thanks

[tessintrnc]

I have a tropical fish tank, and only use the heater in winter. I have lost a few fish but I don't think it was the heat. I only use bottled water though, there is far too much lime in the tap water. What I do find hard to keep healthy is the plants, I have never had any sucess in keeping them healthy, they seem to turn to brown slime within a week or two!!!

[skyvet]

Thanks for that Tess. I would have thought that with bottled water the plants should have been alright, but that's obviously another problem to be reckoned with. Do you have an ultra-violet lamp for the plants?

Have you found any particular species of fish to be less likely to survive than others?

Instead of a multi-species tank, I would probably opt for one species, such as Guppies, which breed regualrly, and would therefore replace any "casualties".

The obvious suggestion might be to seek advice at a tropical fish dealer, but given that they're in business and need to make money, I thought I'd seek advice from someone that knows from personal experience.

[tessintrnc]

I have had no success with "neons" or siamese fighter fish. Guppies do very well though. I do not use an ultra violet light either, although I did in the Uk. Flying fox and black widows do very well, but I haven't been able to keep any cat-fish for any period of time. Good luck with your tank!!!
Tess

[Sotos]

I know this guy. Maybe he will be able to serve you

[BOF]

i would suggest that to keep plants such as valisinaria etc in an aquarium you would need a growlux type light? dont know what size tank you have, but an undergravel bological filter (if they have them here) helps to maintain the plants and the breakdown of detritus.
If you use bottled water i would suggest that when you do a water change you add some old mature water as this helps keep the "good" bacteria going, also when setting up a new tank.
Guppy's are very adaptable and should survive, also white cloud mountain minnows are another hardy little fish. Also try mosquito fish.
im surprised siamese fighters dont seem to survive as they take their oxygen direct and can survive in less than perfect conditions....
Hope this helps
BOF