IS YOUR TANK SETUP PERFECT? A DEEP DIVE INTO AN AQUARIUM

AQUATIC QUERY: 'PREGNANT' FISH

READER'S QUERY
A reader has a spacious 150 x 30 x 45cm tank with a diverse community:
* Fish: A Royal Koi Fingerling, Five Debauwis, Two Wagtail Platies, Two Red Platies, Two Swordtails, One baby Oranda, Two blue and One gold Gourami, Two Black Mollies, Three Pencil fishes, and A Knifefish.
* Filtration: A quarter of the tank uses an under-gravel filter, with the rest being sand and gravel.
* Lighting: A combination of fluorescent and incandescent lights.
* Plants: A great variety, including Water Wisteria - Hygrophila Sp, Canadian Pond Weed - Flodea Sp, Water Milfoil - Myrisophyllum Sp, Hornwort - Ceratophyllum, and Water Grass - Vallisneria.

EXPERT ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATIONS
* TANK SETUP REVIEW
Two key issues need immediate attention:

1. The Problem with the Royal Koi and Oranda: 
"The only problem that could develop has to do with the Royal Koi, which is supposed to be transferred into a pond once it has passed the finger-size stage. Otherwise, it will grow much bigger than the rest of the inmates, develop a voracious appetite, and turn on your plants. The same thing goes for the Oranda."

 It is best to remove both and exchange them at your aquarium shop for other equally beautiful fish, especially if you see them nibbling on your plants.

Source: practicalfishkeeping.co.uk

2. Enhancing the Aesthetics:
"You can improve the set-up by introducing more varieties of plants like the Creeping Charlie: Water Clover and the Indian Fern... Bog and Drift Woods also add a pleasing natural effect. So try and purchase two of these."

Source: Flowgrow


* FISH BEHAVIOR
Q: My Wagtail Platies have bulging abdomens. Is it a disease?
A: Congratulations, they're "Pregnant"!
 "The wagtail platies are 'Pregnant'! You will need a breeding tank urgently."

This is a wonderful event for any aquarist. Set up a separate breeding tank immediately to protect the fry (baby fish) once they are born.

Source: AquariaCentral.com

 Nocturnal Fish
Q: Why does my Knifefish hide all the time?
A: This is completely normal behavior.
"There is nothing wrong with the behavior of the knifefish because it is a Nocturnal fish-evident from its dark grey colour."

The Knifefish is nocturnal and prefers the dark. It will be most active when the lights are off. Consider getting a partner to encourage more activity.

Source: Aquarium Gallery

Schooling Fish
Q: Is it normal for my Debauwis to always swim together?
A: Yes, this is perfectly natural.
Debauwis are schooling fish, which means they find safety and comfort in numbers. Seeing them swim together is a sign they are healthy and behaving as they should.

Source: Fish Tank Limited

SUMMARY
* Tank Size & Stocking: The tank size is good, but be mindful of fish that will outgrow it, like Koi and Orandas.
* Fish Behavior: Understand the natural instincts of your fish—some are schoolers, some are nocturnal, and some are livebearers that breed easily!
* Aesthetics: Enhance your tank's natural look with driftwood and a wider variety of plants.

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