Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi Maurice,
did you ever heard from Archaea, in former times labeled as Archebacteria? These are single-celled microorganisms like bacteria, but standing in their own domain besides the domains of bacteria and eukaryota (all multi-cellular creatures like animals or plants). In spite of many similarities with bacteria, archaea provide a phylogenetical older group with big structural differences to bacteria like completely other cellular membranes for example. Archaeae are often specialized to very harsh conditions like high temperatures (up to 110°C), high concentrations of NaCl, and very high or low pH-values (down to nearly 0). Simultaneously, archaeae are to be found in all types of environments like deep sea, arctic conditions, deserts, all kind of soils, fresh water habitats and so on. Archaea are playing a very important role in the global chemical cycles of Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulfur. So, we can act on the assumption that these microorganisms are a vital part in the cycles of matter in blackwater-habitats and in blackwater-tanks too.
Besides that, some bacteria-species are specialized to grow under lower pH-values as well. One example is that the decomposition of leaf-litter in tropical peat-swamp forests under low pH-values is managed by bacteria (and surely archaea) (Yule and Gomez, 2009).
ThomasHi Jennifer,
In order to refill my tanks with fresh water I normally use a “dripping-system”. From a bucket placed above the tank, water runs down through a small hose as it is used for air-pumps. The flow-rate is regulated by a small valve. Thus, the water is dripping slowly into the tank, about 5 liters over a period of half an hour. As the Paros often come close to the dripping-spot, I suppose they like the special motion caused by the drops; maybe they love rain. Filling the tank by this way, you will avoid any disturbance of the arrangements. In order to fix the water-entrance at the bottom of the bucket, it is useful to weigh down this part of the hose (i.e. with an iron piece or stone) or to use a small plastic tube that just reaches down to the bottom with an elbow over the edge of the bucket, were it is connected with the hose.
Another thing: In my view the air-stream of your filters is a little bit too strong. Paros prefer a weak water current. I use bubble filters too, but air supply is much lower.
Plant growing: It is an old experience that plants sometimes grow and sometimes not. Three equal tanks in my shelf, standing side by side, with an equal setup, all under a common fluorescent tube, behave considerable different. Only in one of them, the floating watermoss Salvinia is growing very well, with tall leaves and long roots. The second tank is mainly grown by Ceratopteris and the third one don’t like any plants. Who knows why? So don’t be frustrated and try it again. Often Microsorium, fixed on a piece of wood, is growing well. Also Najas guadeloupensis is not bad.Thanks Patrick and Peter for your acknowledgements. I also assume that Paros in general are slow developers. The juvenile phase forms a considerable part of the whole life-span. So patience is a basic requirement for breeders. By the way, some visitors mentioned that my juvenile Paros were grey and boring coloured fish. Indeed, colours only appear in adult males. These are seldom seen because they often hide in the breeding-caves. But in my opinion, it is fun to watch the juvenile-development. Even very small ones perform territorial behavior and have some “micro-fights”. Furthermore, young Paros are fearless and very curious. I like them!
PS. My P. nagyi-youngsters (Cherating, F2) will be ready for distribution soon (Location: Frankfurt)
