For the past couple of years I have been so intently focused on my breeding projects that I have completely forgotten how much fun and entertainment there is relaxing in front of a lively community tank.  It is the reason I got into fishkeeping all those many years ago!

I still have two tanks that house only my L046 Zebras but the main tanks in the house now hold an interesting mix.  I have Cory's (Sterbai and Pandas that spawn no matter where they are!), a lovely shoal of Cardinal Tetras, a handful of Galaxy Raspbora, several Amano Shrimp, a pair of Botia Striata Loaches (gotta get more of these as they are stunning!), some Woodcats (Tatia), two enchanting little puffers and of course a small assortment of plecs!  No tank of mine would ever be without plecs so I've got some amazing Veiltail Bristlenoses, L134's and a Blue Phantom that is clearly the Boss!

I've piled in loads of bogwood, lots of slate caves and a good bunch of silk plants.  I do love the look of real plants but with all the plecs the silks make life so much easier!  Now that I've written this I'm off to make a cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy my fish!

 

I reported last time that I was preparing to get my Discus breeding project underway.  Sadly I just don't have the time right now to do this project justice.  My plec family seems to be expanding with another batch of zebs just released from the cave and my L134's are getting to the size where they need new accommodation so everything else on hold while I sort out tanks and do another move around! 

I will be offering the Discus and breeding cubes for sale on auction over the next few weeks, so Discus lovers look out for some bargains!  The juveniles I selected a few months ago are growing on nicely and have reached approx. 4 inches.

That's all for now...off to do some maintenance! 

Over the past few months I have been collecting Discus in preparation for a new breeding challenge.  I have always admired these fish and I have now decided to take the plunge.  I have aquired a nice group of juveniles from a local breeder and have picked up some adult specimens through internet adverts.  One 'pair' of Super Blue Turqs is especially stunning and I am keeping everything crossed hoping that they will form a true pair.

I have four 2' X 2' X 2' cubes that I am conditioning to be used as breeding cubes once I can see a pair forming.  I have some breeding cones and the sponge filters are curing away nicely in the main tank where most of the Discus currently reside.

I was surprised at what a greedy lot the Discus are!  When I move towards the tank they all swim towards me in a group hoping to catch a snack.  Most of them are actually feeding from my hand now.  Certainly not shy when it comes to mealtimes!

I will keep you posted as this project progresses.

It's been a while since I have had a large spawn of bristlenoses (had nearly 1000 of them at one point) as I have cut down my breeding stock.  A few weeks ago my veiltails produced a lovely batch and they are growing on well. 

Last night I put a piece of cucumber in the tank for Daddy and within minutes the swarm of babies was overwhelming!  I had to put another piece in so they could all get a chance.  They were queing up and trying to bump each other out of the way.  Very cute!  One of my favourite sights.

 

I can't believe my luck!  The OH has agreed to let me put another fish tank in the living room!  Last week I acquired a colony of 12 L134's (Leopard Frog plecs) which I hope to breed.  They are stunning fish and it broke my heart to have to banish them to the fish house!  I first tried to use logic...expensive fish in the shed, electrics could fail...blah! blah!  Didn't work so I just did my best moaning and whinging and finally heard those magic words...'oh just do what you want'.  Needless to say they are inside already getting used to their new home.  Loads of bogwood so they have plenty of places to hide.  That will be the next comment...'what use is having them inside, I can't even see them!'.  Just knowing they are there is quite good enough for me.  All you other plec fanatics surely know what I mean!