Laboratory tank

[andre]

Not that I felt the need for another tank but a local importer is closing down its retail store. They give away their display tanks at a bargain and I bought a fully equipped 450lt for about € 200.

I had a strong temptation to be assimilated but hillstream loaches are very rare here. So I was wondering about the possibility to use the tank for experiments.

I would try to simulate one botia species natural conditions such floods, temperature changes, etc to see whether or not we may understand the necessary factors to induce them to spawn.

My only constraint is the time availability as I’m often travelling and it would be difficult to keep records of behaviour patterns and water conditions.

If anybody has tried similar tests and have suggestions I would really appreciate them!

[shari2]

Don't know that I'd be much help as what I tried was a dismal failure.
Check out the thread clown loach spawning for some ideas on getting clowns to spawn.

Now that we'd all like to see!

[andre]

Yep Shari, that thread is what inspired me to try a lab tank.

Soon I will post my ideas (providing that I'm going further with the project).

Thanks!

[Diana]

Congrats on scoring such a large tank!

A certain amount of the time with such an experiment is sitting back and allowing the fish to settle in, regular feeding to condition them and so on. You can certainly set up automatic equipment to create a daily rainstorm, changes in water temperature, variable water flow, and other such things.

I would be interested to see what you come up with, both with possible breeding success and simply the overall concept and fine details of setting up such a biotope tank.

[andre]

Thanks Diana! Yep I couldn't say no. It comes with all lighting, two canister filters, heater and gravel which is black unfortunately and I'm not sure that I like it. At present it is a plants display tank and I must collect it before the end of October.

You seem an expert in this regard. Daily rainstorm, I have never thought of that! I was thinking of leaving the tank half empty until the fish (probably B. kubotai or yoyo's) mature and then raise the level and current while slightly reducing the temperature.

What I learned from this Forum during the last few weeks is that the occasional spawnings seem to occur when the conditions are not 100% optimal (remember the khuli's in a pH 8 water, etc?). Maybe the environment that we create in our tank is somehow "too good" to convince them to have a bonk. When I was a kid I had Rasboras spawning in conditions that everybody thought impossible (in fact nobody believed me).

My problem is how do I keep a log about the eventual change of behaviour when I can observe them only one or two hours per day? And mostly during weekends?

Maybe I should install a web-cam connected to LOL for everybody to see

[shari2]

web cam!

[Diana]

In nature even in the tropics there are seasons. Even if the temperature is usually warm, the water the fish live in will vary: Heavy rain in the mountains will often bring cool water flooding in the streams, and the water gradually warms as it enters the lowland. As the water passes through the soil and across the rocks it is picking up minerals and organic matter, which may be enough to change the water chemistry.
More rain means more bugs and all sorts of stuff, so fish (and other animals) often breed when the rains trigger it, so the babies will have a rich food supply in their early months. More rain also means the river may be widening out, or even jumping its banks, so there are a lot more gallons and acres of space to hide the fry from predators.

I know this works with Cories: Many species of Cory will breed when they are in good condition, and the fish keeper does a water change that cools the tank several degrees.

I would begin this project by researching what has been done, and the success (or failure) of that method with the species you want to work with. Then check out the yearly cycle in the native waters of these fish. Get as many details as possible.

[andre]

Thanks Diana. We are busy renovating our house and while I was painting today I had plenty of time to think As you did I tried to understand why loaches breed during the rainy season and I worked out a few hypothesis some of which match with your considerations. I can see many advantages:

a. stronger current will disperse the frys to a wide area; b. murky water will make them nearly invisible; c. heavy rains bring lots of nutrients to rivers thus boosting the growt of infusoria.

However the more I get excited about the idea the more I can see the impracticalities of such a tank. But I'll research the subject further.

I have the luck of working in a company with factories in both Malaysia and Singapore. For my next trip (probably March 2008) I'm planning to go to the "loaches" area. It will be the end of the rainy season and I would like to ask the fishermen a few questions. We'll see...