Search found 112 matches

by kokomo
Thu May 29, 2025 1:24 pm
Forum: Bettas
Topic: Betta tank size recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 138

Re: Betta tank size recommendations

Gonna chime in here, 5 gallons is the sweet spot. It's big enough for them to chill but not so huge that it's overwhelming. Plus, you can get creative with the scape. My betta loves all the hiding spots I've added.
by kokomo
Sun May 25, 2025 8:04 pm
Forum: Bettas
Topic: Importance of water quality for Bettas
Replies: 11
Views: 126

Re: Importance of water quality for Bettas

bloopie wrote: Sun May 25, 2025 4:27 pm What's your water change routine? Even if params look good, buildup can mess with them. I do 25% weekly in my 5 gallon, keeps things stable.
Yep, agree. Also, what conditioner are you using? Some don't handle chloramines well, could be stressing your fish.
by kokomo
Mon May 05, 2025 4:01 am
Forum: Cichlids
Topic: improving fish food for enhanced colour
Replies: 14
Views: 194

Re: improving fish food for enhanced colour

Adding veggies rich in carotenoids to your fish's diet can really make their colours pop. Think carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, kale, spinach, and spirulina - these all help bring out the reds, oranges, and yellows. Plus, they're great for growth and a healthy immune system.

If you're ...
by kokomo
Tue Apr 29, 2025 2:19 pm
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: why is my water cloudy with plants?
Replies: 11
Views: 233

Re: why is my water cloudy with plants?

Sounds like a bacterial bloom, happens when you add new plants. They can bring in extra organics. How often you doing water changes? Might wanna bump it to twice a week for a bit. Also, check if your filter media needs cleaning.
by kokomo
Mon Apr 14, 2025 2:39 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Is my fish sick or just behaving strangely?
Replies: 3
Views: 894

Re: Is my fish sick or just behaving strangely?

Cichlids are naturally inquisitive, kinda like cats, burning through their nine lives at a rapid pace. If they keep getting stuck in the same situation, it's time to rethink the hardscape.

I once had tetras trapped in my filter for who knows how long - they just waited it out, hoping something ...
by kokomo
Fri Apr 11, 2025 11:16 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: discovering the charm of marimo moss balls
Replies: 4
Views: 1633

Re: discovering the charm of marimo moss balls

The Marimo Moss, also known as Japanese Marimo or Cladophora algae, has a significant portion of its imports coming from Russia and Ukraine. Historically, it was quite common for people to refer to it as Russian Algae Moss.
by kokomo
Fri Apr 11, 2025 9:02 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: discovering the charm of marimo moss balls
Replies: 4
Views: 1633

Re: discovering the charm of marimo moss balls

It seems like there hasn't been another import ban, at least not entirely. I found out that pet stores like Petco and PetSmart have started selling Marimo moss balls again. Apparently, as of September, there are new federal safeguards in place that they need to meet. The thing is, these moss balls ...
by kokomo
Wed Apr 09, 2025 3:54 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Is my dirted planted tank set up correctly?
Replies: 4
Views: 1261

Re: Is my dirted planted tank set up correctly?

The crayfish in our area were notorious for digging up the bottom, creating little trenches everywhere. It was like they had a personal vendetta against the substrate. I recall they'd anchor themselves to a rock or plant, then use their powerful tail to excavate even more efficiently, sending debris ...
by kokomo
Tue Apr 08, 2025 9:15 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Evaluating the effectiveness of open tank hedges against jumpers
Replies: 6
Views: 1983

Re: Evaluating the effectiveness of open tank hedges against jumpers

Hatchets have always been the ones that made me a bit anxious during tank maintenance. I mean, you're trying to get a sponge out, and suddenly you catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye. You turn around, and there's a fish lying on the floor 15 feet away, or stuck to the wall ...
by kokomo
Sun Mar 23, 2025 1:13 pm
Forum: Fresh Water Plants
Topic: Growing plants emersed
Replies: 4
Views: 5528

Re: Growing plants emersed

The big lines are pretty sensitive to their environment. You'll want to maintain a humid microclimate, around 70-90% relative humidity. A well-draining substrate mix is key - I've had success with a blend of sphagnum moss, perlite, and orchid bark. Keep it consistently moist, but not waterlogged ...