Managing Your Flowerhorn Aquarium

Managing Your Flowerhorn AquariumAdequate feedings and frequent water changes
If you're thinking about purchasing a beautifulpromote better growth, and, as a result, can
Flowerhorn fish, you're not alone. The beautifuleven change the whole body morphology of the
Flowerhorn fish is one of the more popularfish.
additions to your aquarium. However, if you haveWater pH level and Mineral Content
chosen a Flowerhorn, proper tank management isWater pH levels indicate the acidity and alkalinity
essential. It is, indeed, more important to practiceof the water. Dissolved minerals in the water are
a good tank management than it is to purchaseoften termed the "hardness" of the water. These
the suitable type of fish for your tank.two water parameters are interrelated. The
Proper fish tank management and beautifulwater is considered 'hard' when there is a high
Flowerhorn fish complement each other perfectly.content of dissolved minerals in it (like calcium),
It is, therefore, crucial for all hobbyists to haveand normally the pH of 'hard' water is above 7,
proper knowledge of good fish tank management.which is more alkaline. When there's a lack of
While it is not as simple as dumping clean water indissolved minerals in the water, it is considered
every few weeks, it isn't as terribly complicated'soft,' and thus the pH will be lower than neutral
as you may imagine.making it acidic.
The TankLocal breeders have indicated that higher pH levels
As the Flowerhorn's ancestry originated from the(7.5 to 7.8) will favor the growth of the nuchal
Central and South American cichlids, it is essentialhump, and lower pH levels (6.1 to 6.5) will favor
to set up your tank to a closely simulated naturalcolor development in Flowerhorn fish. Aquarium
habitat for the fish, which at the same time, isPharmaceuticals Proper pH powder is widely used
incredibly pleasing to the eye.to maintain water quality. As a bonus, with its aloe
Various sizes and designs of fish tanks arevera and electrolytes contents, it also works to
available at your local fish store. Choose one thateliminate chlorine and heavy metals from the
will complement your house, and always assumewater while reducing fish stress. Depending on
that your Flowerhorns will grow to be about 500which traits you desire in your Flowerhorn, it is
mm in length. It is advisable to get at least a 3possible to adjust your water pH level accordingly.
feet tank to start comfortably. Acrylic aquariumsTemperature
are recommended as these tanks are leak proof,Flowerhorns are tropical fish. They can survive in
lightweight and the wall materials providewater with various temperature ranges, but they
exceptional clarity. The SeaClear™ 26 gallon flatgrow well in water temperature of 28°C. During
back hexagonal tank is one good example of antransportation, the water temperature is usually
acrylic tank that is great for keeping Flowerhorns.maintained at about 22°C, and the temperature
Tank Accessoriesis raised to about 30°C when the fish is sick.
Once you've gotten the tank, you may want toThis, though, doesn't mean that all illnesses are
think about backgrounds. Various attractivecurable this way. Check out the "Common
background designs for aquariums are easilyIllnesses" section for more information. A simple
available. Choose one that will fit the naturalthermometer may be purchased to monitor
environment of the fish. Added pebbles, stoneswater temperature changes in your tank.
and gravels is a good idea as well. They can beDechlorination
used as substrate for biological filtration as well asTap water is commonly used by hobbyist, but
a tool to help smooth and polish the teeth ofmost tap water contains high levels of chlorine,
Flowerhorns as they dig, shove and carry thesewhich poses a danger to your Flowerhorn. High
pebbles. Keep in mind that in captivity, the teethchlorine toxicity may lead to fatalities.
of the Flowerhorn tends to be quite sharp, and ifDechlorination of tap water is crucial prior to
you can help to take the edges off a bit withusage. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water
pebbles or gravel, less damage will be causedConditioner instantly removes and detoxifies
during mating or fighting sessions. Once you'veheavy metals from tap water. Add one teaspoon
added that gravel, expect to see it migrateto your water to treat up to ten gallons.
around the tank a bit. Flowerhorns tend to buildFiltration systems
their 'nest' by moving the pebbles and stonesIn an artificial aquatic environment, a good filtration
from one place to another. This behavior normallysystem is extremely important. Flowerhorns feed
indicates that the fish has matured, and it is readyon huge amounts of food, and as a by product,
for mating purposes.they secrete large amounts of ammonia. A good
Even though you may think that sunken piratefiltration system eliminates solid wastes from the
ship looks neat, other unnatural tank ornamentsfish, leftover food, ammonia and even dusts from
are discouraged. These do not serve any purposethe atmosphere. There are various types of
at all in the tank, and they may even befilters available in the market. The efficiency of
hazardous because they can cause accidental cutsthese filters depends on usage, stocking density
and injuries on your Flowerhorns. These fishand other factors.
possess fierce territorial behaviors, and fightsMechanical filters work mainly to sieve out
among fishes are common. Keeping objects likewastes, but they do not break it down. It makes
these in the tank only causes problems duringthe water clear, but this doesn't mean it is 'clean,'
fights.as the ammonia produced by fish is still in the
Lightingtank. The misconception of 'clear water' being
Suitable aquarium lighting will enhance the'clean water' often contributes to a lot of fish
coloration and the overall physical development ofdeaths. A mechanical filter normally uses filter
your Flowerhorn. It is recommended that youwools and filter sponges as sieve materials.
place your tank where is it able to get at least anMechanical filters work best coupled with biological
hour of indirect sunlight a day. While you mayfilters.
worry that algae will infest your tank because ofBiological filters are more efficient as they provide
the sunlight, with proper water qualitybio-media surfaces for beneficial bacteria to grow
management, your tank should not go green withon. Bacteria colonize these surfaces and 'work' on
algae with that minute amount of sunlight. Ifthe ammonia waste left by fish to break it down
sunlight isn't possible in your living space, getting ainto fish friendly water components. You can read
full spectrum light is advisable. Be sure to leave itmore about this in the "Ammonia and Nitrogen
on for four to eight hours a day to maintain theCycle" article.
color development of your Flowerhorn.Flowerhorn fish are quite beautiful, and they'll
Water qualitymake a lovely addition to your home aquarium
Flowerhorns are 'hardy', which means these fishdisplay, but ensuring successful aquarium
are highly adaptable to different water conditions,management is essential to keep your fish healthy
including bad water ones. However, just becauseand happy.
they're 'hardy' fish doesn't mean that you shouldCopyright 2000-2007 All Rights Reserved
keep poor water conditions in your tank.Worldwide.