Page 42 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

40 FRESHWATER FISH: SETTING UP THE TANK

with an excessive amount of rock, because this will impair
the efficiency of the undergravel filter by reducing the area
of the substrate through which water can flow.
Bogwood—wood that has been either submerged in peaty
water or buried in boggy ground for a long time—helps to
give the aquarium a more natural feel. It also provides an
attractive growing medium for plants such as Java Fern (see
p.194). It is especially suitable for aquariums where soft, acidic
water conditions are required. Bogwood contains tannin,
which will leach into the water and turn it brownish-yellow.
The tannin is not harmful to fish, but it spoils the appearance
of the tank. To prevent this, presoak bogwood in a bucket of
water for several days. Change the water each day, and scrub
the bogwood with a clean brush before adding it to the tank.

Catering to individual needs
Bogwood is popular with various catfish, which use it as a resting spot and Before finalizing your design for the tank, consider the fish
rasp away at its surface with their teeth to obtain fiber. Bogwood may float if
it has dried out previously, but once fully waterlogged, it should stay on the you intend to keep, since they may influence the decor and
floor of the aquarium. Weigh it down with rocks if necessary. the layout. For example, annual killifish (see pp.170–172, 174–175)

As with gravel, the vinegar test will tell you whether the
rocks you plan to use contain limestone. You can avoid this
problem altogether if you opt instead for a chemically inert TANK BACKDROPS
rock, such as granite or slate. Do not be put off by its To hide whatever is behind
relatively drab appearance out of water; the subtle hues your aquarium, or simply
will be much more obvious when the rock is submerged. to add another dimension to
Before placing rocks in the aquarium, scrub them in a the tank decor, you can buy
solution of aquarium disinfectant and give them a good rinse printed backdrops to stick
on the outside of the glass.
in clean water. Avoid positioning rocks in corners or other Scenes of rocks or plants can
places where water cannot flow easily behind them, because increase the naturalistic feel
mulm will accumulate. Embed each rock firmly in the of the aquarium’s design,
substrate so that there is no risk of its toppling over or being while ancient ruins can add
undermined by the excavations of the fish. If you want to an air of fantasy. You can
even achieve the surreal
build rocks into towers, cement them together with a silicone effect of displaying your fish
sealant designed for aquarium use. Try not to clutter the tank against a desert landscape.
Backdrops usually correspond
When choosing rocks for the aquarium, always wet the surface to get an to standard tank dimensions,
idea of what the color will be like underwater. Only use rocks purchased from although they can be cut to
aquarium stores; never be tempted to collect your own, because they may fit if necessary.
leach toxins into the water or upset the water chemistry.

Sandstone has a Lava comes in various colors Gray Cumberland stone looks Rustic slate is ideal if you want Artificial rock is
rough-hewn appearance but often has sharp edges good alongside green plants tall, slender rock structures a lightweight
alternative to
the real thing
Rose quartz can be stunning Marble is available in a
in an aquarium with a wide range of colors
contemporary design and patterns

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