AQUA NEWS

A Publication from the Members of the Minnesota Aquarium Society M

arch/April 2007
 AQUA NEWS March/April 2007

Minnesota Aquarium Society

Board of Directors Committee Chairs

Aqua News Editor
President* Curtis Kafer
Mike Fries Historian
763-444-0270 Rodger Anderson
651-489-2973 editor@mn-aquarium.org
president@mn-aquarium.org 763-535-4364
Auction Chair rodgea@earthlink.net
Vice-President* Tom Gromek Librarian
(tie breaker only) 651-462-8223 Jon Heyer
Jenny Kruckenberg tjg@usgo.net 952-215-2043
651-457-2302 Auction Chair Jpheyer@yahoo.com
jennyk@usfamily.net Brad Swanson MAS/ACA Liaison
612-522-4399 Bob Randall
Treasurer* wifabo@myexel.com 952-432-6298
Tom Gromek BAP Spokesperson bobrfish@yahoo.com
651-462-8223 Randy Carey
tjg@usgo.net MAS/FAAS Liaison
651-780-8068 Carter McAninch
aquaria@TwoWetHands.com 763-784-4937
Secretary*
Mike Harris BAP Data carter_mc@excite.com
secretary@mn-aquarium.org Ted Jolivette Membership Chair
763-783-9416 Bob Carter
Under-director* t.jolivette@comcast.net 651-633-4351
Milo Squires Bowl Show Chair bcarter@visi.com
952-448-4153 Tiffany Severson Program Chair
squiresmn@msn.com 651-487-8073 Randy Carey
tiffnseve@hotmail.com 651-780-8068
Director-2yr.* Book Points Chair aquaria@TwoWetHands.com
Bob Carter 651-882-4715
651-633-4351 Promotions & Advertising
secretary@mn-aquarium.org Tiffany Severson
bcarter@visi.com
Donations Chair 651-487-8073
Dennis Drews tiffnseve@hotmail.com
Director-2yr,*
952-529-3596 Show Chair
Bob Randall
drews5255a@aol.com Bob Randall
952-432-6298
bobrfish@yahoo.com Exchange Editor 952-432-6298
Brentt Helland showchair@mn-aquarium.org
Director-1yr.* brentt_@msn.com Special Event Chair
Curtis Kafer HAP Spokesperson Jenny Kruckenberg
editor@mn-aquarium.org Milo Squires 651-457-2302
952-448-4153 jennyk@usfamily.net
Director-1yr.* squiresmn@msn.com Webmaster
Brad Hedlund HAP Data Jeni Kafer
BHedlund@timesaversinc.com Dave Behler webmaster@mn-aquarium.org
952-215-2043 Cover photos by Randy Carey at MAS 2004
*Voting Member
Tropical Fish Show in Minnesota

www.mn-aquarium.org
AQUA NEWS March/April 2007 
The Minnesota Aquarium Society (MAS) is an
incorporated, non-profit organization of tropical fish
enthusiasts that was established in the 1930’s and
is one of the largest local level clubs in the United
States averaging about 200 current members. MAS
is a member of the Federation of American Aquarium
Society (FAAS)
From your Editor:
Monthly Meetings The issue is late, and I have no excuse.
Monthly meetings are held on the 1st Thursday Eveyone was so busy with the show, time just
of each month (Note: there are no monthly meeting got away from me.
in July.) at 7:30 pm. in St. Christopher’s Episcopal I am pleased to report that my plea for
Church, 2300 N. Hamline Avenue., Roseville, MN. (at content is being heard and responded to by
the NE corner of Hwy 36 and Hamline Avenue.)
some of you. I hope the stuff continues to come
Most meetings focus on a presentation by a it. It makes my taskes easier.
speaker who is often nationally recognized. Visitors
are welcome to attend. I am working on new ways of presenting
Board Meetings our club in the Aqua News as you should see
in this issue, color photos can really enhance
MAS Board of Director meetings are held on the articles. If you have any comments good
the 2nd Thursday of each month, (except for July) at
the same location as our general meetings, at 7 pm. or bad please pass them on to anyone on the
and are open to members of MAS. Those wishing ac- board, or send them to me directly and I will try
tive participation are encouraged to attend. to integrate those ideas.
E-Mail Group List Thank you for letting me be your editor
MAS has a monitored e-mail announcement Curtis Kafer
list available to all members. Messages are broadcast MAS Aqua News Editor
to all members on the list. If you would like to have
a message broadcast or subscribe to this list you must editor@mn-aquarium.org
send your request to: mas-admin@careytech.net
Discussion Group List
MAS maintains a monitored Discussion list
through Yahoo Groups. MAS Members can subscribe
to this list by going online to: http://groups.yahoo.
com/group/mnaquarium/
Aqua News Contents
The Aqua News is a bimonthly publication of
the MAS. It has been recognized with national awards
and is a great source of information. The Aqua News President’s Message 4
is included with membership. Members are encour- Help Wanted: 4
aged to submit original articles for publication and
may be submitted by sending them to the address MAS Board Meeting Minutes 5
below. Articles and artwork may also be submitted to MAS Board Meeting Minutes 6
the editor at monthly meetings or by email. Submis- MAS Board Meeting Minutes 7
sions may be hand written, but typed and submitted
on 3.5 diskette or CD is preferred. Artwork must be Breeders Award Program 9
in a printable/copyable medium such as pen and ink. Meeting In Review 10
Submissions are printed in black and white only at this
time. All articles are subject to editing. BAP Roll Call 13
Exchanges and Reprinting Cichlid Matters 17
Exchanges with other non-profit groups are MAS Auctions 19
welcomed. Articles may be reprinted provided proper Crossword Puzzle 20
credit is given to the author, this society and publica-
tion. Two (2) copies of the publication containing the Catching Live Food From Ponds 22
article must be sent to the exchange editor at Minnesota Feeding the Disease: 23
Aquarium Society P.O.Box 130483 Roseville, MN 55113 Culturing Live foods 25
Any other reprinting is by permission of the author
only.
www.mn-aquarium.org
 AQUA NEWS
President’s Message
I’m getting very worried! We received a foot of
snow last weekend, the prediction is for another foot of
snow in the next few days and the show is only 10 days
away. HELP!
I am asking myself, what words of wisdom will
convince the MAS membership to risk taking their valuable
fish, all warm and cozy in their tanks at home, to the show
next weekend. After all, what’s in it for them?
To paraphrase one of my favorite presidents, “Ask
not what the Minnesota Aquarium Society can do for you.
Ask what you can do for the Minnesota Aquarium Society.”
A large number of our current members first experience
with MAS was during our annual tropical fish show. The
last few shows have been tremendous. We have had 100’s
of entries, Close to 1000 people attending, excellent speak-
ers, great demonstrations, a wonderful award banquet, and
lots of fun spending time together. It’s a lot of work, but
makes a GREAT first impression on people visiting the
show.
As I stated above, I’m worried. We have very low
sign ups for the banquet, pre-registration is down for show
entries, and to be honest I am very worried. Under Bob
Randall’s excellent leadership the committee has worked
Help Wanted:
(or just simply beggin’)
Club Photo Jounalist
Authors
Photos
Articles
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007
VERY HARD to put this year’s show together. We have a
great slate of speakers, the most raffle prizes I have ever
seen (thanks to Mike H.) more publicity than every, a hard
goods raffle for the first time, and $200.00 in gift certifi-
cates from Petsmart for the kids coloring contest they spon-
sor every year.
We need your help. We need your fish! Don’t be
scared to enter the show. We’ve said it before and I’ll say it
one last time. You may not think you have an award win-
ning fish, but the idea of the show is to expose the public to
the many different types of fish that MAS members keep
and breed successfully. It doesn’t need to be a show winner;
it doesn’t even need to be a showstopper. It just needs to be
in the show!
Help us keep up our reputation for hosting one of
the greatest tropical fish shows in the area. We want people
to be impressed when they walk in the door next week. We
need your support. Please take the time to enter at least one
tank in the show.
Mike Fries
President
Minnesota Aquarium Society
Photo of female Apistogramma cacatuoides “Orange flash”courtesy of
Mike Helwig
AQUA NEWS
Minnesota Aquarium Society Board Meeting Minutes
For December 14th, 2006
Meeting called to order by Mike F. at 7:08 p.m.
Officers and Board Members present – Brad H., Mike F.,
Tom G., Bob C., Milo S., Mike H., Bob R.
Absent – Jenny K.
Committee Chairs present – Bob C., Mike H., Bob R.
Other members present – Curt K., Ken R.
Secretary’s Report (Mike H.) - Minutes of the previous
meeting were handed out to be read individually.
Motion to approve by Tom G., 2nd by Bob R. Motion
passed.
Treasurer’s Report (Tom G.) – Mike H. moves to approve
report, Bob R. seconds, motion passed.
Committee Chair Reports
2007 Tropical Fish Show (Bob R.) – Four trucks
are needed to help bring racks to Show site. Tank
purchases with FLP will be finalized by Mike F. and
delivered by Tom G. Judges are being lined up by Bob
R. Still need three volunteers to give “My First Tank”
talks; Brentt H. has expressed interest in doing one of
the talks. Lenny would be interested in hosting speaker
Vin Cutty. Ted J. will be handling the photography
duties for the show. Discussed Ray’s auction on that
Sunday at noon. Tom G. will be in charge of the
auction. Swap meet will be Saturday from 1-4 p.m.
New entrants will be in a drawing to receive a $100 gift
certificate to one of our sponsors. Jenny K. has lots
of pens left over from the last show. Mike H. will be
bringing free pop for show volunteers on Saturday and
Sunday. Still looking for little novelty gifts like the
squeezy fish from last year. Check MFK for the most
current updates to show schedule and sponsorships.
Next show meeting should be on January 10th.
Aqua News (Dani E.) – Chair not present. No report
submitted. BOD talked with Curt K. about becoming
the Aqua News editor. Job duties and expectations
were presented to Curt K. Mike F. appoints Curt K. as
the new Aqua News Editor. Joe L. will be sending all
online templates to Curt K.
Auctions (Tom G. & Brad S.) – Postcards will be sent out
to the approximately 400 people that have attended an
auction in the past year. Tom will talk with custodian
again before auction. Next auction will be January 27th.
BAP (Randy C. & Chris S.) – Sue F. has submitted
BAP/HAP Blitz logos. Jenny K. will be in charge of
ordering shirts.
Book Points (Mike H.) – No report.
Bowl Show (Tiffany S.) – Chair not present. No report
submitted. Bowl Show was cancelled last month
because of change of venue.
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007 
Donations – (Dennis D.) – Chair not present. No report
submitted.
FAAS (Carter M.) – Chair not present. No report
submitted.
Fund Raisers (No Chair) – No Chair. No report. Small
bowls being sold to FLP.
HAP (Milo S.) – Plant sale went very well. Discussed
having December plant meeting moved to a Friday
night to ease international shipments. BOD
recommends ordering a lot more plants next Dec.
Library (John H.) – Chair not present. No report
submitted.
Membership (Bob C.) – Membership stands at 206! Mike
F. recommended doing something special for the 200th
member. No action was taken.
Monthly Meetings Report – Discussed meeting at the
legion vs. the church. Mike F. will follow up with the
legion on more questions from the Board.
Programs (Randy C.) – The January speaker will be
Randy C. giving his talk on collecting on the Rio
Negro. This is a tie in to his upcoming article series
on Project Piaba in Brazil in TFH magazine. February
will be a DIY workshop. March will be all about the
Show.
Publicity and Advertising (Tiffany S. & Mike H.)
– Focused on Show stuff. Not getting info on speakers
in a timely manner to get to smaller papers. Mike H. is
still looking into some printing projects.
Special Events / Darter Hunt (Jenny K.) – Chair not
present. No report submitted.
T-Shirts / Jackets (Jenny K.) – Tiff S. has won the T-Shirt
contest. Congrats Tiff. Jenny K. will be working with
Tiff on the color of the shirts and ordering them.
Trophies (Jenny K. & Brad H.) – No report.
Website (Dani E.) – Chair not present. No Report
submitted. Joe Lover has submitted an example
prototype of the new website to the Board. The Board
has received valuable input from Curt K. and previous
webmaster Ken R. Jeni K. was approved as the new
webmaster. Website progress will be reviewed at the
next Board meeting.
Old Business
Tom G. will pay insurance bill when it comes in the mail.
New Business
No New Business
Meeting Adjournment – Bob R. moves to adjourn, Milo
S. 2nd, passed.
 AQUA NEWS
Minnesota Aquarium Society Board Meeting Minutes
For January 11th, 2006
Call to Order by Mike F. at 7:14 p.m.
Officers and Board Members Present – Mike F., Jenny
K., Tom G., Mike H., Brad H., Bob C., Bob R.
Officers or Board Members Absent – Dani E., Milo S.
Committee Chairs Present – Bob C., Mike H., Bob R.,
Jenny K., Curt K.
Other members present – Ted J., Sue M.
Secretary’s Report (Mike H.) - Minutes of the previous
meeting were emailed to the Board to be read
individually. Motion to approve by Bob R., 2nd by Tom
G. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report (Tom G.) – Bob R. moves to approve
report, Mike H. seconds, motion passed.
Committee Chair Reports
2007 Tropical Fish Show (Bob R.) – Posters will be done
by the Auction. Curt will be bringing a delivery truck
to haul the stands for the Show. Chris S. will need to
provide the judging program to Bob C. as a backup.
Lenny may be hosting Vin. Mike F. will be getting the
raffle tickets. Tom G. will be bringing the tanks from
FLP that are ordered. Still need volunteers to put on Special Events / Darter Hunt (Jenny K.) – Jenny will be
the 4 talks on first tanks.
Aqua News Editor (Curt K.) – Jan/Feb issue is done. Bob T-Shirts / Jackets (Jenny K.) – Only members are allowed
R. has taken it to the printers. This is the last issue to
be mailed to all members.
Auctions (Tom G. & Brad S.) – Brad H. will be getting
better balloons. Labels have been sent out. The Fish
Police will be at the next meeting. Mike H. will be
bringing an overhead projector LCD for the Auction
Committee to check out.
BAP (Randy C. & Chris S.) – No chair present. No report
submitted. Members have concerns about how the
BAP program is being run. Sue M. has volunteered
to sit at the back table to help out with BAP and HAP.
Brad H. will get the trophy stuff from Nancy S. Jenny
K. has ordered the Blitz Award shirts.
Book Points (Mike H.) – Members with available Book
Points will receive their Points balance at the April
general meeting. Orders placed in May will be
distributed at the June meeting.
Bowl Show (Tiffany S.) – No chair present. No report
submitted. Tiff S. needs to email results to Jeni K. The Tom G. discussed getting blackworms for each meeting on
Board is disappointed that the results are not getting
published.
Donations (Dennis D.) – No chair present. No report
submitted.
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007
FAAS (Carter M.) – No chair present. No report
submitted. Bob R. will be contacting Carter M. about
sanctioning the show awards.
HAP (Milo S.) – No chair present. No report submitted.
Library (John H.) – No chair present. No report
submitted.
Membership (Bob C.) – Membership stands at 209!
Fantastic! Bob C. plans on doing something special for
the 200th member at the next meeting.
Programs (Randy C.) – No chair present. No report
submitted. Next month is DIY month. March will be
all about the Show. April is live foods, speaker TBD.
Publicity and Advertising (Tiffany S. & Mike H.)
– Volunteers are in place to start a Local Fish Store
listing on our website, with monthly updates. Sue
M., Beth F., Mike H., and Tiff S. will be getting the
information from local stores for their free advertising.
Beth F. has volunteered to call each store every
month to find out “what’s new.” Discussed requiring
storeowners be MAS members to get this advertising.
The Board was against requiring membership. Sue M.
will also be writing an interview article on a store for
the Aqua News.
getting a new Darter permit.
to purchase MAS t-shirts.
Trophies (Brad H. & Jenny K.) – Brad H. will be picking
the trophy equipment from Nancy S.
Website (Jeni K.) – No chair present. The Board is getting
no response from Dani E. Control of website hosting
with GoDaddy.com must take place soon.
Old Business
Monthly Meetings Report – Mike F. will be talking with
the VFW again. Still having problems with noisy
kids. Children are required to stay with a parent and to
remain quiet out of respect for the other members and
speakers. If the problem continues, children will no
longer be welcome at MAS functions.
New Business
Dani E. will be contacted about her Board position.
a pre order basis.
Meeting Adjournment – Mike F. moves to adjourn, Bob
C. 2nd, motion passed.
AQUA NEWS
Minnesota Aquarium Society Board Meeting Minutes
For February 8th, 2007
Call to Order by Mike F. at 7:10 p.m.
Officers and Board Members Present – Milo S., Mike H.,
Bob C., Mike F., Tom G., Brad H., Jenny K.
Officers or Board Members Absent – Dani E., Bob R.
Committee Chairs Present – Milo S., Mike H., Bob C.,
Curt K., Tom G., Brad S., Randy C.
Other members present – none
President’s Report (Mike F.) – Mike F. has reported that
Dani E. has resigned from her post as Director. Mike F.
appoints Curt K. to fill out the remainder of Dani’s term
as Director. Welcome Curt!
Secretary’s Report (Mike H.) - Minutes of the previous
meeting were emailed to the Board to be read
individually. No corrections were submitted. Motion
to approve by Brad H., 2nd by Milo S. Motion passed.
Mike H. handed out BOD binders.
Treasurer’s Report (Tom G.) – Tom G. gave the report,
which included the results of the January auction.
Mike H. moves to approve report, Mike F. seconds,
motion passed.
Committee Chair Reports
2007 Tropical Fish Show (Bob R.) – All the planning is
finished and we are totally into implementation. We
need to be promoting Kingfish more. Still looking
for one host. The final meeting will be at Bob R.’s on
Feb. 13th at 7 p.m. Brad S. has given the engraver for
the trophies to Jenny K. Tom G. has picked up a large
donation of Eco-Complete left for the MAS at FLP.
LFS donations, and manufacturer donations for the
Show are going very well.
Aqua News Editor (Curt K.) – The last printed Aqua
News has been mailed out. Discussed having an email
blast to members and exchanges when the new issue
of the Aqua News is available on the website. Mike
H. will be sending a crossword puzzle in to Curt.
Exchanges need to be notified that they will no longer
receive a printed copy.
Auctions (Tom G. & Brad S.) – The next auction will be
on Saturday, April 21st. Same time, same place. The
children that were brought to the January auction were
all very well behaved. THANK YOU!
BAP (Randy C. & Chris S.) – Chris S. has submitted
the following report. Sue MacMillan leads the 2007
BAP Rookie of the Year field with 115 points. Jason
Swanson is in the lead for the 2008 BAP Rookie of the
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007 
Year Award with 30 points. For January and February,
Mike Harris and Jason Swanson have earned their 25
point BAP Beginner Award. The Board would like the
BAP committee to hold a review of the current point
structure.
Book Points (Mike H.) – Book Points will be announced
in April. Delivery of ordered books will be at the June
general meeting.
Bowl Show (Tiffany S.) – Report from Tiffany S.
December – No entries. February, Class 1 (SA
Catfish) – 1st Place – Amy Marvin, common pleco
(Junior Entry). Class 2 (non-SA Catfish) – 1st Place
- Tiffany Seversen, Synodontis schoutedeni, 2nd Place
– Tiffany Seversen, Synodontis eupterus. Class 3 (mini
Aquascape) had no entries.
Donations (Dennis D.) – No chair present. No report
submitted. Dennis has volunteered to take over
contacting all the manufacturers in the future for the
Show and the monthly meeting raffles. Overflow
products, which we received a lot of for the Show, will
go towards the monthly meeting raffles.
FAAS (Carter M.) – Submitted by Carter M. “FAAS
is reorganizing (somewhat) and going back to what
the leadership feels our original purpose was. So, we
are putting on indefinite hold BAP, HAP, web site
awards, sanctioning, and medallions. We are focusing
our efforts on: 1. Best practices for clubs 2. Being a
resource for clubs
3. Being a source for information on starting a
new club. We are putting some new programs into
PowerPoint and planning to make them available
for download from the web for member clubs. And
we have suspended dues for this year and perhaps
next. Rick Borstein is our new President and he is
redesigning the web site (which will be active shortly)
and hopefully leading FAAS back into a worthwhile
existence, where we can help out our member clubs
with resources and information.”
HAP (Milo S.) – Milo had no report at this time.
Library (John H.) – No chair present. No report
submitted.
Membership (Bob C.) – Membership stands at 206!
Programs (Randy C.) – The Board asked Randy C. to
come up with the topics/speakers for at least 6 months
in advance. The Board would like to see increased
publicity for monthly speakers and also to tie in the
monthly Bowl Show to the topic each month. The
March meeting will be all about the Show, presented
by the Show Committee. April will be a live foods
...Continued page 8
 AQUA NEWS March/April 2007
discussion presented by advanced hobbyists from New Business
within our club. Live food cultures will be available to
Mike H. presented information on the Habitatittude
purchase, similar to our December plant sale. For May,
Program. With Board agreement, Mike H. will
we will be bringing in a national speaker, topic TBD.
continue forward with signing the MAS up for this
The speaker will be invited to go along with us on our
program, designed to help combat the problem of
Darter Hunt.
invasive species into natural waters.
Publicity and Advertising (Tiffany S. & Mike H.) – The
Randy C. presented info on a new email system for sending
Committee is still working on getting the word out
out emails to members. Mike F. moves to allow Randy
about the Show. New mini-posters with a map to the
to spend up to $300 for this system, Brad H. 2nd, motion
Show will be made up by Mike H. and distributed to
passes.
local stores as a hand out.
Mike H. presented his ideas for restructuring MAS
Special Events / Darter Hunt (Jenny K.) – Jenny K. has
committees. Topic was tabled until the next Board
the Darter permit in hand.
meeting.
T-Shirts / Jackets (Jenny K.) – The Blitz shirts are done
John Algere Funds – Board discussed at length the uses for
for the most part, a few loose ends to tie up. MAS
the funds received to best remember John. The Board
shirts will be printed next week for distribution at the
has decided to name the Award for Best Peat Spawner
March meeting.
(Killifish) in John’s name. The Board also discussed
Trophies (Brad H. & Jenny K.) – Brad S. handed over purchasing books for the library with the funds, and
all the trophy stuff to Brad H. and Jenny K. Thank you renaming the MAS library “The John Algere Library.”
Nancy for all your hard work! Discussion tabled until the next meeting.
Website (Jeni K.) – Due to the possible interruption on Meeting Adjournment – Milo S. moves to adjourn, Mike
email service, the web-hosting switch will not occur F. 2nd, motion passed.
until next Weds. Once Jeni K. has control of the
hosting, major changes can be done to the website.
Old Business

Monthly Meetings Report – The DIY program went over

very well. Thank you all who shared your fishroom
ideas!

a
The photo to the right in the Last
Issue Jan Feb 2007 : mistak-
enly identified Darrell Ullisch as
Charles Hawks, my apologies to
both of them.

Speaker Darrel Ullisch and our own Randy Carey Photo courtesy of
Bob Randlall
www.mn-aquarium.org
AQUA NEWS March/April 2007 

Breeders Award Program

Breeders Award Program report, February, 2007 Ellickson, Dani Spawns:5 Pts:50
02/07 Ancistrus sp. albino 10
BAP Rookie Breeder of the Year Points for 2007
02/07 Anomalochromis thomasi 10
Ends Points Spawns
02/07 Barbus titteya 10
Macmillan, Sue 02/2007 115 11
02/07 Pelvicachromis subocellatus 10
Harris, Mike 09/2007 25 3
02/07 Pelvicachromis pulcher 10
Fraley, Beth 10/2007 15 2
Severson, Tiffany 12/2007 10 1
Balfanz, Ken Spawns:3 Pts:35
Lover, Joe 12/2007 10 1
02/07 Chilatherina bleheri 10
Brueland, Garrett 09/2007 10 1
02/07 Melanotaenia praecox 10
01/07 Pseudomugil signifer, Ross River 15
BAP Rookie Breeder of the Year Points for 2008
Ends Points Spawns
Swanson, Jason Spawns:3 Pts:30
Swanson, Jason 01/2008 30 3
02/07 Labidochromis caeruleus 10
02/07 Haplochromis sp. flameback 10
Awards Earned in January/February, 2007
02/07 Protomelas taeniolatus 10
Jason Swanson has earned the 25 Point Beginner Award.
Mike Harris has earned the 25 Point Beginner Award.
Smaciarz, Rich Spawns:1 Pts:20
01/07 Hypancistrus inspector 20
BAP Breeder of the Year Points for 2007
Chronakos, Tom Spawns:5 Pts:65
French, Will Spawns:2 Pts:20
02/07 Altolamprologus compressiceps,
Yellow 15 02/07 Protomelas taeniolatus 10
02/07 Cyprichromis leptosoma “Black Bee” 01/07 Haplochromis sp.44 redtail 10
15
01/07 Neolamprologus hecqui 10 Severson, Tiffany Spawns:1 Pts:10
01/07 Pundamilia nyererei, Igombi Island 10 01/07 Simochromis diagramma 10
01/07 Ptychochromis sp. salmon, 15
Hippo Point Lover, Joe Spawns:1 Pts:10
01/07 Neolamprologus pulcher, Isanga 10
Randall, Bob Spawns:6 Pts:55
02/07 cyanotilapia sp. White top hara, 10 Harris, Mike Spawns:1 Pts:10
Galiteya reef 01/07 Pelvicachromis pulcher 10
02/07 Haplochromis sp. Kenya gold 10
01/07 Pseudotropheus aurora, Likoma 10 Hansen, Ron Spawns:1 Pts:10
01/07 Nimbochromis livingstonii 10 01/07 Pseudotropheus flavus 10
01/07 Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, 10
Undu Reef Fraley, Beth Spawns:1 Pts:10
01/07 Xiphophorus maculatus 5 02/07 Pelvicachromis pulcher 10

www.mn-aquarium.org
10 AQUA NEWS
Meeting In Review
Author: Bob Randall
MAS Meetings – Where you there?
November
Our speaker was Ted Judy. He first gave a
presentation on RO water. The concepts presented
were fairly elementary. Ted kept the pace quick and
answered questions efficiently without divergence.
The highlight of Ted’s presentation was a hands
on workshop. Spectrapure sponsored Ted. This firm
provided conductivity meters, alkalinity colorimetric
tests and pH meters for MAS members to use during
workshop. Ted provided three water samples and
members determined total dissolved solids, KH
and pH for each sample using tools provided by
Spectrapure.
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007
The second portion of workshop consisted of
creating various waters. Soft acid water was obtained
by starting with reverse osmosis water, then adding an
acid buffer. However, the trick is not to add too much
buffer so that water is no longer soft. Verification
of that goal was accomplished by using Spectrapure
tools.
The second water was hard water with a neutral
pH. Here the starting water was hard alkaline water.
Reverse osmosis water is added to this water until KH
fell to 4-6 degrees. If pH remained elevated an acid
buffer was added until pH reached a neutral value.
Verification was done with the Spectrapure tools.
Third water created was hard alkaline water.
Starting point was reverse osmosis. Seachem alkaline
buffers and rift lake salts were added to obtian hard
alkaline water.
The last water created was again soft acid water
but using a phosphate buffer system. The point of
using phosphate buffers is they stabilize pH in acid to
neutral range without contributing to the alkalinity.
In summary, Ted covered a tremendous amount
of water chemistry in a short amount of time. The
manner in which this was accomplished was a
successful learning experience for those in attendance.
AQUA NEWS March/April 2007 11

December
As many of us, if
not all MAS members
know that December
is “Plant Extravaganza
Month”. Our speaker’s
topic was using high end
technology for planted
tank. Unfortunately, he
was unable to attend,
hopefully, we will be able
to reschedule.
On extremely short
notice, Milo Squires
stepped forward to
talk about plants. The
first portion of Milo’s
talk consisted of basic
information in keeping
aquarium plants. Milo
outlined how the
following nutrients must
be dissolved in water of
planted tanks; oxygen,
carbon dioxide, carbonate
hardness, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and this duty flawlessly. The information provided
trace elements. He discussed how these items interact certainly sparked many in attendance to consider
with each other and with the plants. Milo moved on to adding plants to their tanks that they would not have
discuss lighting, and then briefly addressed heating in considered without Milo’s valuable information.
the planted tank. In summary, the plant sale swelled the attendance
Everyone of course was eagerly anticipating the for this meeting, but learning about plants from Milo
plant sale. Milo was asked to make a few remarks was the true highlight.
about each plant offered in the sale. Milo performed

www.mn-aquarium.org continued page 12

12 AQUA NEWS
January
Our speaker was Randy Carey speaking about
his trip to Brazil. The primary purpose of the trip
was to visit Project Piaba and learn how this program
is progressing. Piaba is a native word for small
fishes that are exported for the ornamental fish trade.
Project Piaba is an organization devoted to studying
ornamental fish and conservation of the same.
March/April 2007
February
This month we heard from a number of MAS
members and their “do it yourself” projects.
Greg brought in a water change device that
prevents siphons from totally emptying the tank. I
have had this problem and could use Greg’s device.
Tiffany showed us how to prepare a three
dimensional background with styrofoam, concrete and
color additives. I believe this was the most creative
presentation of the night.
Brad and Mike discussed the building of Mike’s
fish room. This presentation did not do the project
justice. To truly appreciate Mike’s fish room, it is best
to visit. Some refer to this as the Taj Majal of fish
rooms.
Lauris showed and described a low cost water
change device he created using a pump and garden
hose. Lauris is not into how it looks but how well it
works. This device gets the job done with little effort.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Kruckenberg, unfortunatly we did not have an

pictures of Randy presentation at our club, this was taken at the ACA 2006
Show Chicago
Randy’s talk was a travelogue type presentation
with photographs of the Amazon River, from an
airplane. Photographs of Brazilian cities, Manas and
Barcelos were presented for members to see what
Brazil is like today. Including fish sold as food.
Randy explained Manas role in the history of the
rubber industry. Randy sought to tie rubber economics
of the past to ornamental fish economics of today.
That is where Project Piaba comes into the talk.
Ornamental fish sales reach $600 million a year.
A little more than five percent of all ornamental fish
sold, come from Rio Negro. Project Piaba attempts Randy brought in a low cost bent 40 watt light
to provide evidence that fish harvested for the bulb and showed us how to build a fixture and use this
ornamental trade is not harming the natural resource. light on a 20 gal long planted tank. I cannot imagine
While maintaining an ecological approach to the fish why these bent 40 watt lamps are so low priced. This
harvest, Piaba also seeks to provide economic gains to project is a real money saver.
native people from fish harvest and sale. This is borne
out by their motto, BUY A FISH – SAVE A TREE.
Randy was quick to point out that Dr. Herbert Axelrod
provided the money to create Project Piaba. The
center has a building named after Dr. Axelrod.
This talk included Randy collecting fish in the
Rio Negro basin. These were perhaps the best
photographic slides as he included many beautiful fish.
www.mn-aquarium.org
AQUA NEWS
Ken described an automatic shut off system for
his reverse osmosis unit that he designed and built.
Included was a schematic drawing handed out to
attendees. The schematic alone tells us a lot about
Ken.
Dale showed and discussed creating a low cost
light for a relatively deep planted tank. I particularly
liked this talk as Dale assumes little and verifies many
items including lamp spectrum prior to proceeding.
Dale was not afraid to show us a failure of sorts as this
lead him to his later success in building the light he
wanted.
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007 13
Brad also brought in a portable water change
device he created from PVC. I like the idea of
catching siphoned water in a bucket before the water
enters drain system. The ease of moving the system
from tank to tank is also attractive.
Feel free to contact these MASers for more
information on their DIY projects, as they all were
happy to answer questions.
All Photos courtesy of Randy Carey
2007 MAS Auction
21 April 2007
Preview 10:00 am
Auction starts at 11:00 am
Lutheran Church of the Redemption
927 E Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55420
Questions, contact Auction Chair:
tjg@usgo.net
14 AQUA NEWS
BAP Roll Call
MemberName PointLevel AwardName Award_Date
Aldrich, John Jr. 250 Intermediate Award 10/1/1993
Aldrich, John Jr. 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1993
Aldrich, John Jr. 100 Novice Award 10/1/1993
Alegre, John N. 100 Novice Award 9/1/2002
Alegre, John N. 25 Beginner Award 8/1/2001
Ancheta, Lenny 1000 Master Award 11/1/2000
Ancheta, Lenny 750 Expert Award 7/1/1995
Ancheta, Lenny 500 Advanced Award 8/1/1992
Ancheta, Lenny 250 Intermediate Award 10/1/1991
Ancheta, Lenny 100 Novice Award 2/1/1991
Ancheta, Lenny 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1989
Anderson, Dianne 100 Novice Award 5/1/1992
Anderson, Dianne 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1990
Ayers, Tim 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1998
Balfanz, Ken 250 Intermediate Award 8/3/2006
Balfanz, Ken 100 Novice Award 6/1/2005
Balfanz, Ken 25 Beginner Award 12/1/2004
Baretich, Steve 25 Beginner Award 4/1/1995
Barth, John 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1993
Bellino, Patti 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1994
Benson, Brandon 25 Beginner Award 2/1/2005
Berglund, Ken 250 Intermediate Award 6/1/1999
Berglund, Ken 100 Novice Award 6/1/1997
Berglund, Ken 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1996
Berryhill, Stafford 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1993
Bishop, Dava 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1995
Bloomquist, Brad 25 Beginner Award 5/1/1997
Bradbury, Richard 100 Novice Award 11/1/2001
Bradbury, Richard 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1994
Brobst, Curtis H. 25 Beginner Award 2/1/2000
Bucciaglia, Paul 100 Novice Award 8/1/1996
Bucciaglia, Paul 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1995
Bull, Jim 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1992
Burke, Mike 25 Beginner Award 12/1/1995
Byers, LeeAnne 500 Advanced Award 2/1/2003
Byers, LeeAnne 250 Intermediate Award 1/1/1998
Byers, LeeAnne 100 Novice Award 3/1/1996
Byers, LeeAnne 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1995
Carey, Randy 2500 Grand Master Award II 3/1/2005
Carey, Randy 2000 Grand Master Award 12/1/1998
Carey, Randy 1500 Master Award II 12/1/1996
Carey, Randy 1000 Master Award 4/1/1994
Carey, Randy 750 Expert Award 4/1/1993
Carey, Randy 500 Advanced Award 11/1/1992
Carey, Randy 250 Intermediate Award 2/1/1992
Carey, Randy 100 Novice Award 8/1/1991
Carey, Randy 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1991
Chowen, Pat 500 Advanced Award 7/1/1994
Chowen, Pat 250 Intermediate Award 2/1/1993
Chowen, Pat 100 Novice Award 4/1/1992
Chowen, Pat 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1992
Chronakos, Tom 250 Intermediate Award 1/1/2006
Chronakos, Tom 100 Novice Award 1/1/2005
Chronakos, Tom 25 Beginner Award 6/1/2004
Dana, Joayn 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1994
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007
MemberName PointLevel AwardName Award_Date
Dekoeyer, David 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1996
Dold, Bill & Vickie 25 Beginner Award 3/1/1991
Dunnigan, Bridget 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1991
Edstrom, Bob 250 Intermediate Award 9/1/1989
Edstrom, Bob 100 Novice Award 3/1/1989
Edstrom, Bob 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1989
Ekstedt, Chet 100 Novice Award 4/1/1998
Ekstedt, Chet 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1993
Ekstedt, Chuck & Rita 100 Novice Award 2/1/1996
Ekstedt, Chuck & Rita 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1993
Ellickson, Dani 250 Intermediate Award 4/1/2006
Ellickson, Dani 100 Novice Award 11/1/2005
Ellickson, Dani 25 Beginner Award 8/1/2005
Engelking, Robin 100 Novice Award 10/1/1999
Engelking, Robin 25 Beginner Award 4/1/1997
Evans, Mike 500 Advanced Award 10/1/1993
Evans, Mike 250 Intermediate Award 9/1/1992
Evans, Mike 100 Novice Award 1/1/1991
Evans, Mike 25 Beginner Award 9/1/1989
Fischer, Roger 1000 Master Award 8/1/1998
Fischer, Roger 750 Expert Award 3/1/1995
Fischer, Roger 500 Advanced Award 3/1/1993
Fischer, Roger 250 Intermediate Award 1/1/1992
Fischer, Roger 100 Novice Award 1/1/1991
Fischer, Roger 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1989
Fitzgibbons, Tim 250 Intermediate Award 3/1/2001
Fitzgibbons, Tim 100 Novice Award 8/1/2000
Fitzgibbons, Tim 25 Beginner Award 5/1/2000
French, Will 25 Beginner Award 5/4/2006
Fries, Mike 250 Intermediate Award 4/1/2003
Fries, Mike 100 Novice Award 8/1/2002
Fries, Mike 25 Beginner Award 4/1/2002
Fust, Hollie S. 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1997
Garrity, Paul 750 Expert Award 3/1/2005
Garrity, Paul 500 Advanced Award 9/1/2004
Garrity, Paul 250 Intermediate Award 12/1/2002
Garrity, Paul 100 Novice Award 9/1/2002
Garrity, Paul 25 Beginner Award 2/1/2002
Gavanda, Mike 25 Beginner Award 9/1/1991
Gilgen, Hans 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1992
Grabrick, George 100 Novice Award 12/1/1991
Grabrick, George 25 Beginner Award 12/1/1990
Gromek, Tom 500 Advanced Award 2/1/1997
Gromek, Tom 250 Intermediate Award 5/1/1991
Gromek, Tom 100 Novice Award 8/1/1990
Gromek, Tom 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1988
Hallett, David W. 100 Novice Award 6/1/1997
Hallett, David W. 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1995
Hammill, Dean 100 Novice Award 4/1/1995
Hammill, Dean 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1994
Hansen, Kim 25 Beginner Award 10/5/2006
Hansen, Ron 750 Expert Award 5/4/2006
Hansen, Ron 500 Advanced Award 10/1/2001
Hansen, Ron 250 Intermediate Award 10/1/1993
Hansen, Ron 100 Novice Award 11/1/1992
AQUA NEWS
MemberName PointLevel AwardName Award_Date
Hansen, Ron 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1991
Harris, Mike 25 Beginner Award 1/4/2007
Heaney, Bill 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1991
Hedberg, Dan 100 Novice Award 10/1/1989
Hedberg, Dan 25 Beginner Award 4/1/1989
Heinen, Shane 100 Novice Award 12/1/1999
Heinen, Shane 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1998
Heyer, Jon 25 Beginner Award 9/1/2000
Hirsch, Jim 100 Novice Award 3/1/2005
Hirsch, Jim 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1998
Hostrawser, Cary 250 Intermediate Award 11/1/1996
Hostrawser, Cary 100 Novice Award 7/1/1995
Hostrawser, Cary 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1994
Hougen, Dean
& Teague, Cynthia 250 Intermediate Award 2/1/1993
Hougen, Dean
& Teague, Cynthia 100 Novice Award 12/1/1989
Hougen, Dean
& Teague, Cynthia 25 Beginner Award 9/1/1989
Howell, Greg 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1991
Hutchinson, Melissa 25 Beginner Award 11/2/2006
Jensen, Troy 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1994
Johnson, Brad 100 Novice Award 2/1/1993
Johnson, Brad 25 Beginner Award 3/1/1991
Johnston, Brian 100 Novice Award 2/1/2006
Johnston, Brian 25 Beginner Award 5/1/2005
Jolivette, Kris & Ted 250 Intermediate Award 11/1/1997
Jolivette, Kris & Ted 100 Novice Award 6/1/1996
Jolivette, Kris & Ted 25 Beginner Award 7/1/1995
Kalal, Wayne 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1997
Kaldor, Chris 100 Novice Award 5/1/1995
Kaldor, Chris 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1992
Kalvig, Peggy 100 Novice Award 3/1/2000
Kalvig, Peggy 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1999
King, Tom & Geri 25 Beginner Award 7/1/1992
Korzendorfer, Dan 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1988
Koutek, Randy 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1997
Krook, Al & Deb 25 Beginner Award 5/1/1994
Kruckenberg, Jenny 750 Expert Award 12/1/2002
Kruckenberg, Jenny 500 Advanced Award 11/1/1997
Kruckenberg, Jenny 250 Intermediate Award 8/1/1994
Kruckenberg, Jenny 100 Novice Award 8/1/1993
Kruckenberg, Jenny 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1992
Lankhorst, Steven 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1996
Lechowich, Steve 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1993
Levine, Chuck 25 Beginner Award 5/1/1989
Loh, Willie 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1998
Lowe, Jay 250 Intermediate Award 5/1/2003
Lowe, Jay 100 Novice Award 10/1/2000
Lowe, Jay 25 Beginner Award 12/1/1999
Lowe, Mike 25 Beginner Award 6/1/2002
Lucken, Robby 100 Novice Award 10/1/2000
Lucken, Robby 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1999
Macmillan, Sue 100 Novice Award 10/5/2006
Macmillan, Sue 25 Beginner Award 4/1/2006
MacNabb, Larry
& JoAnne 750 Expert Award 8/1/1998
MacNabb,
Larry & JoAnne 500 Advanced Award 11/1/1994
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007 15
MemberName PointLevel AwardName Award_Date
MacNabb,
Larry & JoAnne 250 Intermediate Award 2/1/1993
MacNabb,
Larry & JoAnne 100 Novice Award 10/1/1991
MacNabb,
Larry & JoAnne 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1991
Marchan, Edward 100 Novice Award 5/1/1994
Marchan, Edward 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1994
Marshik, Patty 25 Beginner Award 7/1/1988
Marshik, Stephanie 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1987
Mastberger, Chad 100 Novice Award 9/1/1998
Mastberger, Chad 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1997
Mathis, Jim 2000 Grand Master Award 5/1/2005
Mathis, Jim 1500 Master Award II 8/1/1999
Mathis, Jim 1000 Master Award 3/1/1998
Mathis, Jim 750 Expert Award 4/1/1997
Mathis, Jim 500 Advanced Award 7/1/1995
Mathis, Jim 250 Intermediate Award 12/1/1993
Mathis, Jim 100 Novice Award 9/1/1992
Mathis, Jim 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1991
McAninch, Carter 100 Novice Award 9/1/2004
McAninch, Carter 25 Beginner Award 3/1/1998
McLeod, Bob 250 Intermediate Award 10/1/1995
McLeod, Bob 100 Novice Award 2/1/1995
McLeod, Bob 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1994
McNeil, Ken 250 Intermediate Award 5/1/1997
McNeil, Ken 100 Novice Award 12/1/1995
McNeil, Ken 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1995
Mechtel, Chuck 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1994
Methven, Paul 25 Beginner Award 3/1/1988
Meuret, Patrick 25 Beginner Award 4/1/2002
Mock, Vienna 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1995
Morrison, Steven 250 Intermediate Award 9/6/2006
Morrison, Steven 100 Novice Award 6/1/2003
Morrison, Steven 25 Beginner Award 2/1/2002
Mortenson, David & Cynthia 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1993
Mortenson, Steve 100 Novice Award 12/1/1991
Mortenson, Steve 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1991
Nab Dahl, Barry 250 Intermediate Award 5/1/1997
Nab Dahl, Barry 100 Novice Award 1/1/1995
Nab Dahl, Barry 25 Beginner Award 3/1/1994
Newton, Bruce 25 Beginner Award 2/1/2001
Njos, Bryan 100 Novice Award 5/1/1997
Njos, Bryan 25 Beginner Award 5/1/1996
Nordahl, Scott A. 100 Novice Award 6/1/1996
Nordahl, Scott A. 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1996
Nordby, Jason 25 Beginner Award 4/1/1990
Nordby, Ken & Sharron 1000 Master Award 8/1/1996
Nordby, Ken & Sharron 750 Expert Award 6/1/1992
Nordby, Ken & Sharron 500 Advanced Award 10/1/1991
Nordby, Ken & Sharron 250 Intermediate Award 12/1/1990
Nordby, Ken & Sharron 100 Novice Award 12/1/1989
Nordby, Ken & Sharron 25 Beginner Award 9/1/1988
Nystrom, Steve 100 Novice Award 11/1/1993
Nystrom, Steve 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1992
Olson, Craig 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1992
Olson, Eric 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1996
Overn, Paul 100 Novice Award 11/1/1994
16 AQUA NEWS
MemberName PointLevel AwardName Award_Date
Overn, Paul 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1994
Pelkey, Richard J. 25 Beginner Award 9/1/1998
Peterzen, Pete & Carol 1000 Master Award 8/1/1999
Peterzen, Pete & Carol 750 Expert Award 5/1/1997
Peterzen, Pete & Carol 500 Advanced Award 8/1/1995
Peterzen, Pete & Carol 250 Intermediate Award 2/1/1995
Peterzen, Pete & Carol 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1994
Peterzen, Pete & Carol 100 Novice Award 10/1/1994
Philstrom, Richard K. 25 Beginner Award 12/1/1997
Powell, Dick 25 Beginner Award 7/1/1989
Prokop, Dan 25 Beginner Award 3/1/1998
Randall, Bob 1000 Master Award 10/1/2005
Randall, Bob 750 Expert Award 10/1/2004
Randall, Bob 500 Advanced Award 9/1/2003
Randall, Bob 250 Intermediate Award 9/1/2002
Randall, Bob 100 Novice Award 10/1/2001
Randall, Bob 25 Beginner Award 3/1/2001
Rees, Craig 500 Advanced Award 10/1/1992
Rees, Craig 250 Intermediate Award 8/1/1991
Rees, Craig 100 Novice Award 2/1/1991
Rees, Craig 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1990
Resech, Bob 250 Intermediate Award 1/1/1996
Resech, Bob 100 Novice Award 3/1/1994
Resech, Bob 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1993
Riebesell, D.J. 25 Beginner Award 3/1/1997
Robb, Chad 25 Beginner Award 4/1/2005
Robertson, Terry 100 Novice Award 9/1/2001
Robertson, Terry 25 Beginner Award 4/1/2000
Rosa, Heather & Paul 250 Intermediate Award 9/1/1997
Rosa, Heather & Paul 100 Novice Award 2/1/1995
Rosa, Heather & Paul 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1991
Rossa, Ron 25 Beginner Award 7/1/1991
Routh, Bruce 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1996
Rutz, Tim 500 Advanced Award 12/1/2001
Rutz, Tim 250 Intermediate Award 8/1/2000
Rutz, Tim 100 Novice Award 4/1/1997
Rutz, Tim 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1996
Ruzek, Dan 25 Beginner Award 12/1/1993
Ruzek, Kenneth V. Jr. 500 Advanced Award 1/1/1999
Ruzek, Kenneth V. Jr. 250 Intermediate Award 8/1/1995
Ruzek, Kenneth V. Jr. 100 Novice Award 8/1/1994
Ruzek, Kenneth V. Jr. 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1993
Sarslow, Anchor 1000 Master Award 5/1/1994
Sarslow, Anchor 750 Expert Award 5/1/1992
Sarslow, Anchor 500 Advanced Award 5/1/1991
Sarslow, Anchor 250 Intermediate Award 10/1/1988
Sarslow, Anchor 100 Novice Award 3/1/1988
Sarslow, Anchor 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1987
Sarver, Janet 100 Novice Award 2/1/1995
Sarver, Janet 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1993
Scales, Larry 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1999
Scepurek, Terry 250 Intermediate Award 8/1/2002
Scepurek, Terry 100 Novice Award 8/1/2000
Scepurek, Terry 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1999
Schneider, Cindy 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1998
Schoeler, Karl 100 Novice Award 3/1/2001
Schoeler, Karl 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1992
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007
MemberName PointLevel AwardName Award_Date
Schreyer, Dan & Diane 500 Advanced Award 8/1/1993
Schreyer, Dan & Diane 250 Intermediate Award 3/1/1991
Schreyer, Dan & Diane 100 Novice Award 1/1/1990
Schreyer, Dan & Diane 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1989
Smaciarz, Rich 1000 Master Award 3/1/2005
Smaciarz, Rich 750 Expert Award 6/1/2002
Smaciarz, Rich 500 Advanced Award 4/1/1999
Smaciarz, Rich 250 Intermediate Award 2/1/1997
Smaciarz, Rich 100 Novice Award 9/1/1995
Smaciarz, Rich 25 Beginner Award 7/1/1994
Smith, Christopher 25 Beginner Award 9/1/2002
Squires, Milo 250 Intermediate Award 3/1/1998
Squires, Milo 100 Novice Award 12/1/1993
Squires, Milo 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1993
Steffensen, Jerry & Shana 100 Novice Award 6/1/2003
Steffensen, Jerry & Shana 25 Beginner Award 6/1/2002
Stemper, John 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1993
Stevens, Jason M. 100 Novice Award 10/1/1997
Stevens, Jason M. 25 Beginner Award 8/1/1996
Stoller, John 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1994
Stowe, Marc 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1998
Swanson, Brad & Nancy 500 Advanced Award 8/1/1997
Swanson, Brad & Nancy 250 Intermediate Award 10/1/1993
Swanson, Brad & Nancy 100 Novice Award 2/1/1993
Swanson, Brad & Nancy 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1992
Swanson, Jason 25 Beginner Award 2/1/2007
Tjepkes, Troy 500 Advanced Award 12/1/1989
Tjepkes, Troy 250 Intermediate Award 7/1/1988
Tjepkes, Troy 100 Novice Award 5/1/1988
Tjepkes, Troy 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1987
Trembly, Lisa 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1993
Turley, Paul 100 Novice Award 9/1/1995
Turley, Paul 25 Beginner Award 6/1/1993
Voorhees, Keith 100 Novice Award 8/1/1994
Voorhees, Keith 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1992
Walsh, Bob 100 Novice Award 8/1/1991
Walsh, Bob 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1989
WasDyke, Joel 250 Intermediate Award 5/1/1999
WasDyke, Joel 100 Novice Award 1/1/1998
WasDyke, Joel 25 Beginner Award 2/1/1997
Weber, Robin 250 Intermediate Award 1/1/2004
Weber, Robin 100 Novice Award 9/1/2000
Weber, Robin 25 Beginner Award 4/1/2000
Weidner, Marvin 25 Beginner Award 9/1/1989
Wilson, Zack 250 Intermediate Award 8/1/2002
Wilson, Zack 100 Novice Award 4/1/2002
Wilson, Zack 25 Beginner Award 11/1/2001
Woehler, Steve 100 Novice Award 4/1/1994
Woehler, Steve 25 Beginner Award 11/1/1993
Wolden, Kirk 25 Beginner Award 1/1/1990
Wolden, Kirk 100 Novice Award 1/1/1990
Woldstad, Sharon 25 Beginner Award 10/1/1997
Wolf, Scott 25 Beginner Award 3/1/1993
Wonders, Ron 250 Intermediate Award 2/1/1993
Wonders, Ron 100 Novice Award 11/1/1991
Wonders, Ron 25 Beginner Award 7/1/1991
AQUA NEWS March/April 2007 17

Cichlid Matters
Author: Bob Randall

Good day to all MAS members and readers. As I trained show cichlid. If a cichlid fails to win Best of Show
write this, our 2007 Show is approaching, as you read this this year then good luck to all in 2008.
our show will be history. I hope your cichlids did well in The remainder of this column will discuss a large
the show and one of them won Best of Show. We know that cichlid, Uaru. These cichlids are found in South America.
cichlids are smarter and better looking than other fish so it For many years Uaru amphiacanthoides was the sole
only stands to reason, a cichlid won Best of Show. member of this genus. This magnificent animal’s native
During our and other shows cichlids are often waters are Rio Negro, tributary to Amazon River. A second
displayed in bare bottom tanks whereas fish from member of the genus was found in Río Orinoco,
other classes are displayed in tanks with sub- Uaru fernandezyepezi. Both of these cichlids
strate and even decorations. The reason live amongst roots and trees fallen into
why we have this discrepancy is the water. Diet is mainly fallen fruits, de-
majority of cichlids are too large to caying vegetable matter and inverte-
display in a tank with substrate brates. It is thought Uaru school,
and decorations. Large cichlids as this is how they behave in the
could lose an eye on rock or aquaria. This is important, as
driftwood when confined to single Uaru do not do well in
a small tank. Or fins may captivity. In native waters
split due to thrashing about Uaru may reach 14 inches
in a small tank with rocks length.
and other decor. Fur- Uaru behavior
ther, cichlid behavior is in aquaria is in sharp
often characterized as contrast to many cichlids
shy or paranoid. Typi- as Uaru are peaceful and
cally, cichlids like to do not display territorial
spend their time close aggression to conspecific
to or within habitat with neighbors or tank mates
numerous hiding places. from other species. Lack
Our cichlid tanks are of aggression is true for
often set up for such both feeding and breed-
behavior and it is a joy to ing territories. Of course
watch our cichlids dart out if a fish keeper attempts
of hiding and then return to siphon the fry from the
just as quickly. At a show, tank, Uaru will attack the
the purpose is to see the hand that feeds them. Mini-
fish displaying itself to show mum tank size is 48 x 18 x
attendees. Décor mimicking 18 inches for a small breed-
cichlid habitat would defeat the ing pair of 6-8 inches. Larger
purpose of viewing the fish for the Uaru should be given a larger
most part. tank. Shoals will require the larg-
It is easy to see which cichlid est tank their keeper can afford. Décor
keepers show fish and which do not. Cich- includes wood as this mimics the natural
lids that stay hidden by décor or in shadows, environment. This fish will graze on the wood
have not been trained for a show. Cichlids that come to and wood must be chemically free. Plants are relished
the front of the tank and display themselves to all have been as a food source. Do not place prize plant specimens in
trained intentionally or ocassionally unintentionally. Some a Uaru tank. Plant replicas are not a substitute for living
cichlids are easier to train than others. Oscars and discus plants as these animals may consume silk or plastic result-
come to mind quickly. Perhaps all cichlids can be trained ing in a poor outcome. Rio Negro water is soft (< 1 degree
for the show tank. Remember cichlids are smart. A cichlid GH) and acidic (5-6). These fish have adapted to the black
keeper willing to invest the effort will be rewarded with a water over thousands of years and thus black water is the

www.mn-aquarium.org continued page 18

18 AQUA NEWS March/April 2007
starting point for keeping these fish. Temperature of 78-80
degrees F. is recommended. Most Uaru keepers will avoid
placing other cichlids in the same tank due to the peace-
ful nature of Uara. Exceptions are other large peaceful
cichlids with similar requirements such as Hoplarchus
psittacus.
Uaru will consume all unwanted plants a keeper
may offer including duck weed. The may also be fed
Romaine lettuce, peas, aquatic insects and vegetable based
fish pellets. Occasional feedings of shrimp is OK due to
indigestible chitin. Fry are voracious eaters and take any
food offered. Avoid mammalian protein and fats when
feeding Uaru.
Breeding Uaru is rewarding and should be encour-
aged. There are no overt external signs of sexual differ-
ences. Examination of sexual vents may reveal males from
females. A more common practice is purchase six fry or
juveniles, grow them out and allow a male and female to tern consisting of broken bars similar to the pattern seen in
find each other vs attempting to bring an adult pair together. angelfish, discus and severems. It is unlikely Uaru keep-
Conspecifics may be allowed to stay with a breeding pair. ers will bring these wonderful fish to a show. The stress of
However, the non breeding Uaru will feast on eggs, larvae being moved and the activity of a show would like proving
and free swimming fry while parents watch without pro- to be the death of one of these fish. This is not to say that
test. This is very non-cichlid like parental behavior. The Uara cannot be trained for show but moving the adults is
breeding site is typically a vertical surface of a rock, slate stressful.
or clay/ceramic pot but not wood. Increasing temperature Some cichlid keepers are attracted to these cichlids
3-5 degrees F may trigger breeding. Parents do dig a pit by their large size, others will find Uaru amphiacanthoi-
for larvae to gather in following a three day incubation des adult colors of brown base with large black spot near
period prior to hatching. Free swimming fry may be fed the caudal fin to be attractive. Uaru amphiacanthoides
microworms, smaller baby brine shrimp as well as non-liv- also show pale blue iridescent markings on the face. These
ing foods. Fry also will eat from parents slime coat. This markings are similar to those of Aequidens pulcher or dis-
should not be allowed for more than a few weeks or dam- cus. Almost all cichlid keepers are attracted to the large red
age to parents may occur. eyes of this species. Uaru fernandezyepezi are equally as
Uaru have a heavy slime coat for protection. splendid but in place of the large black spot, there are large
Should this slime coat be lost, the animal may become in- black bars on the flanks of this large cichlid.
fected and sloughed slime may foul tank water. Take steps See y’all at next MAS meeting.
to avoid both these situations by performing frequent large Photo’s of Uaru amphiacanthoides courtesy of
water changes. Loss of slime coat indicates severe stress Cynthia Teague
for Uaru. An early warning sign of stress is the stress pat-

Visit our website

www.mn-aquarium.org

•for up to date information about upcoming events

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AQUA NEWS March/April 2007 19

MAS Auctions
The MAS Auctions occur 3 times a year, providing a great opportunity to purchase and sell your fish and other
related items. The next Auction is April 21, 2007, Preview at 10 AM, Auction starts at 11 AM at the Lutheran Church of
the Redemption, 927 E Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55420.
Questions should be directed to the Auction Chair: Tom Gromek – tjg@usgo.net.

Auctioneers sell about 800 items per auction. Literally 100’s of bags of fish and plants

Average of 150 buyer per auction Large Hardgoods such as Aquariums

Our goal :satified

customers even if
mommy or daddy is
Photos coutesy of Tiffany Severson
picking up the tab.
www.mn-aquarium.org
20 AQUA NEWS March/April 2007
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2. Rotifers, protozoans and other minute 1. Process by which bacteria oxidize lethal ammonia
organisms. into relatively harmless nitrates.
3. Scientific order of taxonomy for related species. 4. Structural body armor made of chitin.
6. Puntius titteya. 5. The small fin located between the dorsal fin and the
10. Marks located on the rear of the body, frequently caudal fin
on the anal fin of the male. 7. spiney puffer fish considered a rare delicacy in
13. Goldfish lose their ______ if kept in dim light. Japan
15. Person who studies fish. 8. The power supply for fluorescent and metal halide
19. A juvenile eel. lighting.
20. Type of RO membrane. 9. Brine Shrimp
22. Accumulated, decaying, organic matter and other 11. Air or fat filled organ.
tiny particles, grains, or refuse. 12. Fe.
24. Ammonia removing substance. 14. Fish in the family, Cyprinodontidae.
26. CO3 16. A water condition which has a pH lower than 7.0.
28. Water circulator. 17. food prefered by mollies
29. Soft, acidic water found in regions of South 18. A pregnant female fish.
America. 21. PO4
30. Java Moss 23. A group of fish moving together.
25. Gill Cover.
27. Color of Pangio kuhlii eggs.

www.mn-aquarium.org
AQUA NEWS March/April 2007 21

Membership application form

Minnesota Aquarium Society

P.O. Box 130483
Roseville, MN 55113-0016

http://www.mnaquarium.org

Todays Date__________________

Type of Membership: Method of Payment:

 Adult $15.00/Year Cash__________
 Family $15.00/Year Check #_______
 Junior $12.00/Year

The following information will not be used beyond the Minnesota Aquarium Society

Name: _____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

City:_______________ State: ________ Zip Code: ________

Home Phone: (______) _________ — ___________________

Email Address: ______________________________________

Are you Up to Date with your Membership?

| 23 |
www.mn-aquarium.org
22 AQUA NEWS
Catching Live Food From Ponds Author: Jerold Hustafa
SouthWestern Michigan Aquarium Society Jr.;
from SWAM, May/June 1989 Issue
Aquarticles
Once you have decided to collect live food, the first
thing you must do is find a pond that contains the food you
are after. You should look for a fairly small pond that is
partly stagnant, but not polluted, and contains very few or
no fish. If the pond has firm banks around it and the water
deepens quickly, it will make your job of collecting a lot
easier. If you are not able to find a pond like this, tall boots
should get you into deep enough water to draw your net
through.
After you have found a suitable pond, round up
something with which to catch and transport the food. To
capture live foods you need a fine net. A woman’s nylon
stocking sewed to a six-inch by six-inch stiff wire frame,
fastened to a long handle, works excellent. The food can be
carried in anything that holds water, as long as it is clean
and free of chemicals.
Now that you are ready to go, knowing what to
look for may help keep you from getting discouraged. The
food organisms most often caught by aquarist are daphnia,
mosquito larvae, and glass worms.
Daphnia are small crustaceans averaging about
the size of a pin head, or a little larger. They are reddish-
colored and swarm near banks of the pond, swimming in
vertical, jerky motions.
Mosquito larvae are probably the food eaten most
by wild fish. They can be seen hanging from the surface
of the water in their third stage of development. They will
wiggle down to the bottom as soon as they are disturbed.
The eggs of the mosquito are laid in groups of 20 or 30,
called “rafts”. If you find some, take them home and let
them hatch out in a jar or aquarium.
March 9-11 2007 MAS Tropical Fish Show
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007
Glass worms are not worms, but larvae of a Chao-
borus plumicornis fly. They range in size from 1/8-inch to
3/4-inch, and swim horizontally in the water. The larvae are
glass clear except for their eyes and digestive tract.
In the course of catching these, you may also get
some bosmine, blood worms, (another fly larvae), and Cy-
clops. They also are alright to feed, but are somewhat rare.
Now you can get to the actual catching and feed-
ing of the food. Capturing the food is easy. Just take your
net and draw it through the water. Trying different depths,
sooner or later, if there is anything in the pond, you should
catch it.
When you have caught as much as you want, run
the food through a series of nets. A kitchen strainer that is
not too fine will catch the leaves and other debris, and let
the food pass through. Then strain the food through two
more progressively fine nets, one to catch the larger food,
and the other to get what is left. Now you can put the food
into a couple of small jars filled with fresh water. One can
be used to feed your larger fish and the other can be used
to feed your small or baby fish. By putting the food in jars
it is easier to control the amount of food you want to put in
each tank. The above is not absolutely necessary if you do
not wish to do all that, but if you bring the food home in
the pond water you should put them in fresh water before
feeding.
If you have any food left over, you can keep them
in a spare aquarium. They are best kept cool (in the 60’s
will do), and aerated if possible. If you do not have the
room to keep them alive you can freeze them in ice cube
trays.
As a few last notes, watch out for large larvae and
other water bugs. If in doubt, do not feed. If your fish go
crazy over live food and you do not mind the snow and
cold, some of this food can be caught through the ice in the
winter.
AQUA NEWS
Feeding the Disease:
The Art of Space Utilization in Relation to Aquarium Keeping
Author: Zack Wilson
As many of us are eventually faced with, I came
upon the dilemma of how to maximize the number of tanks
I could fit into a limited space. I don’t think you can really
have too much space, so I’d probably be saying “limited”
in any case. I was fortunate that I was taking on this issue
prior to actually even starting any aquariums up. Other
priorities in life (*gasp*) had forced me to close down my
entire fishroom for a couple years, and so I was starting
from scratch, rather than having watched a room full of
aquariums spring up like plants here and there. So my un-
derstanding wife and I had bought a home, and it just hap-
pened to have come with an unfinished basement. There it
sat tempting for months. Having a new child of my own left
me a minimal amount of time to think about such things
for some time, but finally in about October of ’05, I found
myself with some spare time and renewed thoughts of little
fish swimming in glass boxes. Through some providential
circumstances I came upon the opportunity to finally seri-
ously begin planning a new fishroom.
Since I was going to be building from the ground
up, I wanted to give some real thought to how I wanted
my fishroom to look and function. The last time round
was really a product of my growth and development into
the hobby. The two rooms that my tanks inhabited were a
hodge-podge of variously sized aquariums that I had picked
up as a matter of necessity when my fish started multiply-
ing and my interests started branching out. This worked at
the time, but it certainly didn’t maximize my space usage
and it didn’t look as nice as it could have. This time round
I wanted to create a room that would be enjoyable to walk
through and view my fishes in, while also achieving the
goal of cramming every last bit of water I could into it.
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007 23
The first thing I had to do was decide what size
tanks to go with. This is an important aspect, as uniformity
is a key to efficiency. I ultimately decided to go with 30
breeders (30”L x 18”W x 12” H). I really like 20 longs
for their viewing window, and they seem to be about the
perfect size for keeping fish of my main passion, dwarf
cichlids and catfish. The extra front to back room made
for better surface area and also gave me a good bit of extra
room to aquascape—one of my other passions on which I
plan on expanding. 30 gallons is also a nice size as it is big
enough for holding grow outs or larger numbers of other
fish when the need may arise, without getting into some-
thing large and space-consuming.
My next challenge, one I spent a good amount of
time on, was to figure out what configuration would allow
me to maximize the number of tanks I could fit while still
providing a good flow through the room. I felt that to be
comfortable there should be at least 3-4 feet between any
row of aquariums, and one shouldn’t have to wind around
too many corners or bends to get to the next bank of tanks.
After toying with a bunch of layouts on a graph, I finally
decided to go with a number of parallel rows that would
run the length of the room, with several smaller island racks
that would be placed perpendicularly to the other racks
and up against the support pillars in the basement. Given
the height of the ceiling I figured if I wasn’t too greedy
with the space between one tank and the next, I could even
manage to get 4 tanks per column. This was working on
the assumption that I would be making my racks of lumber,
which seemed to be the most economical option. Had I
used steel or some such, I might have had even more room,
but I had limited resources. By this plan, I also left myself
wall-space along the west wall where I could build racks
for larger, odd-sized aquariums I might want/NEED.
So all said and done, I came to the conclusion that I
would be able to fit about 150 30 breeders into my base-
ment. I had about 1,200 sq. ft. to work with, given that the
laundry room and a small storage room are taking up space
as well (storage room may later be “modified”). This wasn’t
a bad start, but still didn’t sound like enough. Fortunately
when I started advancing in the process of building the
racks, I began to see that 4 feet + between rows was actu-
ally more generous than I had to be. This left me with some
open room to squeeze in a few extra tanks here and there. I
figured a few large “show” tanks here and there wouldn’t be
bad as focal points.
continued page 24
24 AQUA NEWS March/April 2007
Stepping back a little, once I picked the tanks, my
other big consideration I needed to tackle was one any of
us has to look at when we have more than a few tanks. How
am I going to change water one and keep so many tanks
clean? Well, I really have never thought of the typical over-
flow system as being very efficient for pollutant removal.
You’re always flushing out new water along with the old
and by that method you drain a lot of water before you real-
ly get a good percentage of old water out. I much preferred
the idea of removing a given percentage of tank water (75%
sounded good to me) and then replacing it with fresh water.
My idea was to drill each of the tanks in the system one
quarter of the way up from the bottom and then install a
tanks using nickel/brass air valves and voila. Not a bad
bulkhead with a cap. The water could then be drained into
part of the process. Each tank could then be filtered with a
a larger diameter PVC pipe that I could run around the fish-
sponge filter or two and the cost of operation is pretty darn
room to each rack and then to the drain. By putting the pipe
low.
at a gentle grade, all the water runs to the laundry room
From there it was mostly details. I did install a
where we have a floor drain (another really nice feature of
number of outlet boxes periodically throughout the fish-
the basement). So the draining problem solved, all I really
room for times when I may need power. I also installed a
had to do was figure out how to return the water. Being that
couple extra circuit-breakers for this draw—don’t need to
I wasn’t going to go with a centralized filtration system, I
be worrying about running the dryer or washer or some-
had to figure out how to run water to each individual tank.
thing. I did recently also install an air-exchange unit to
Again I went with PVC, this time about 1/2” diameter and
bring in fresh air from outside. With this many tanks the
ran this from the water mains in the laundry room to each
humidity can get very high very fast—not healthy or safe.
rack where the lines fanned out to each row, allowing for a
I also still want to paint the racks and put up screens over
ball-valve and sort of faucet to be put in through the top of
the top portion of each tank to prevent light from bleed-
each tank in back. I didn’t really feel like drilling another
ing out. Speaking of light, I’m still toying with my options
hole for returns and I needed to be able to access the valve.
there.
So that sounded easy enough—yeah right. The idea is
After putting some of my ideas into action, I have
sound, but it’s a bit of work assembling 150+ T’s with ball-
found some things I would have done differently. My big-
valves and countless lengths of PVC. I’m still in the pro-
gest brain-fart of the whole process was the outlets. Not
cess of finishing this, but at least I’ve got the drains done. I
giving it enough thought, I was more concerned about mak-
should also mention here that due to the lack of gravity all
ing sure I had enough outlets and that they were spaced out
of the bottom tanks, which sit on the floor, are not able to
be part of the drain system and therefore have to be done by enough over the room. I didn’t even think about the height
of the boxes. As it turns out they come up quite nice and
Python unless I come up with a brilliant solution to that. Oh
square behind the second row of tanks from the bottom.
well.
Not the end of the world, but it makes for some fun contor-
Next up was filtration. I didn’t like the idea of
tion tricks trying to get plugs into outlets. I might have
centralized filtration for the whole room, and individually
adjusted the height, but it would have been a lot of work,
filtering every one of those tanks would be insane, and
and funny as it may sound I can be lazy. It’s been about 8
insanely expensive. I hate the extra noise of blowers, and
months of hard work, from re-pouring the floors myself,
they can be expensive too. So I finally decided to go with a
to redoing the concrete walls, painting, tiling the floor, and
couple of linear air pumps. These pumps are insanely quiet
on and on. It’s really fun and rewarding to see it coming
for their output and are very reliable and low maintenance.
along, but it’s been back-breaking at times. Fortunately I’m
They also put out very good pressure and even running 250
most of the way to where I want to be, and at least there’s
some sponge filters I get very high flow. It also helps that I
an end. I will continue to tweak things I’m sure, but it’s a
went with 30 breeders, as the shorter height provides less
great thrill to actually be bringing my dream fishroom to
back-pressure. After installing PVC around the perimeter
reality.
of the room I then installed enough outlets for each of the
Photos by Author
www.mn-aquarium.org
AQUA NEWS
April 2007 Meeting Program- Culturing Live foods
Our local members will be sharing their knowledge
of culturing live foods, a limited number of sample cultures
will be available to get you started. Live foods are used
for rearing fry and conditioning for spawning. In additoin
to dry flake, frozen, collected or purchased food, they are
great source of nutrition. A variety of foods is the key to
happy healthy fish. The following general information is
just a sample of the offering varietys that exist. Some of
which will be shared at the meeting on April 5th 2007
Mealworms (Tenebrio Molitor) are a highly
nutritious form of live food, especially valued for feed-
ing medium to large aquarium fishes (cichlids, large tetra,
barbs, etc.). Dempseys and Archers are particularly fond
of them. The young worms are suitable for fish as small as
zebras. Many marine fish and invertibrates such as crabs
will feed on mealworms also. The suitability of mealworms
for various birds and reptiles is well know. They are rich
in vitamins A and B and can be maintained in a dormant
condition in the refrigerator for several months
Microworms (Mikronematoderna): Thanks to the
efforts of Mr. C. O. Nordstrand and Mrs. Morten Grindal
of Solna, Sweden, European aquarists have favored mik-
roworms as an essential live food for raising the fry of egg
layers for over 50 years. Until recently, mikroworms have
not been as popular with American aquarists because “hit
or miss” culture methods have produced inconsistent and
disappointing results. As with most live foods there are
many ways to culture mikroworms. What we are presenting
here is simply what has worked best for us over the past 30
years.
White Worms (enchytrae) are probably the most
popular form of live food cultured by aquarists. They are
highly nutritious and especially valuable during winter
months when ponds and other live food collection areas are
frozen.
Daphnia Magna: The most popular live food for
aquarium fishes is Daphnia. Daphnia includes several spe-
cies, the largerst of which is D. magna. D. magna can reach
a size of 1/5 of an inch in diameter. Each pregnant Daphnia
female delivers up to fifteen babies (all are females un-
der good conditions) every three days (depends on food,
temperature, and water condition). Daphnia are heavy filter
feeders and eat a wide variety of tiny organisms of appro-
priate size. Daphnia can be used to clear the green water of
aquariums and large outdoor ponds without using danger-
www.mn-aquarium.org
March/April 2007 25
ous chemicals. All Daphnia species produce large black
(resting) eggs under certain conditions. The resting eggs
survive frost and dryness. For fishes up to 4 inches.
Vinegar Eels/Wine Eels (Turbatrix Aceti):They are
raised in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, and small
pieces of apple. The eels can live in pure water (advantage)
but will not multiply. They are about the size of micro-
worms. Established cultures can be put aside and remain
after several months of total neglect!
Grindal Worms (Dwarf White Worms): Mrs. Mor-
ton Grindal of Sweden was active in the development of
white worm culturing methods and first isolated the smaller
species known as the Grindal worms. Grindal worms are
prolific and can withstand high temperatures, which makes
them more practical to culture than White worms. They
reach up to 1/2 inch in length. This is the perfect size food
for small fishes up to two inches in length. Easy to harvest.
For best results, start with a large culture.
Wingless Drosophila Melanogaster: Insects have a
very high nutritional value. This is a small wingless fruitfly
about 1/8 inch long. The reasons for it becoming so popular
among biologists are the same as those which make it pop-
ular among aquarists who use the insect so extensively as a
fish food. The fly passes through a life cycle in seven to ten
days at warm temperatures. They are one of the finest foods
for conditioning breeders. They make an ideal live food for
most surface feeding fishes, lizards, small frogs, and birds.
The fly’s body is soft and floats on the surface of the water,
where it lives for hours before being eaten. For best results,
we recommend using our premium mold resistant medium.
Each culture contains fruit flies food to support the culture
for up to one month.
Greenwater: There really is no big mystery to sur-
round this stuff. It’s a simple free floating algae. It needs
light and nutrients to grow. There are a number of varieties
which I don’t care to know all that much about but I can
tell you there are salt water types and fresh water types and
they all need light and nutrients. We use greenwater to feed
directly to the smallest fish larvae. We also use greenwater
to feed several types of other live food cultures, daphnia for
example.
More Info avalable:
http://web.cecs.pdx.edu/~davidr/discus/livefoods/cultures.html
http://www.lfscultures.com/
26 AQUA NEWS March/April 2007

UPCOMING MAS EVENTS

March 9-11 2007 MAS Tropical Fish Show

2007 American Cichlid Association Convention

in Sacramento, California, July 19-22, 2007

Eastern Iowa Aquarium Association Spring 2007 Tropical Fish Show.

April 7-8 2007 Cedar Rapids, IA

MAS Auction April 21st 2007

See our website for further details

www.mn-aquarium.org

www.mn-aquarium.org