All about aquariums. Freshwater and saltwater aquariums (marine), aquarium filters, tropical fishes, reef aquarium, pond fishes and more.

A carefully chosen and well-designed pond can be the focal point of a garden, but finding the right style can be a daunting task. The choice of designs is partly personal, but should also take into account the requirements of the fish, as well as the amount of space you have available, the existing landscaping in your garden, your level of building expertise, and the amount of time and money you have to spend.

Although the basic construction techniques used to create ponds of any type are similar, the resulting effect created by the landscaping and planting can be strikingly different. Ponds can be designed in an informal, naturalistic way, or in a formal style, based on stark, geometric patterns, such as rectangles.

A good starting point when deciding on the type of pond to build is to consider the species of fish you would like to keep. Goldfish are suitable for most types of pond, but large pond fish, such as koi, require a considerable volume of water if they are to thrive. A pond for these fish must have a minimun surface area of at least 10m^2 (110 sq. ft). The constraints created by keeping koi mean that they are invariably kept in a larger formal design of pond. Such ponds are costly to construct, however, not just because they need to be larger, but also because they require an effective filtration system to maintain water quality and clarity.

Modern Pond - Modern designs blends seamlessly with the style of the house. It includes waterfalls feature and plants.

Naturalistic Pond - With native plants in and around edges, helps to create retreats for neighbourhood wildlife.

Scientific name: Alternanthera Reineckii
Synonym: Alternanthera resaefolia
Origin: South America

This red leaved stem plant can be found in many different leaf forms and shades of color. The top leaf surface may vary from olive green to brown while the underside is pink red. A good source of iron will help to intensify the red color. The plant is easy to care for if given the right conditions, which include strong lighting and a good iron-rich substrate. ln larger aquariums, plant A. reineckii small, well spaced groups around the center of the aquarium. The red leaves make the plant a good contrasting and focal specimen.

Maximum height: Up to 20 in (50 cm) usually less
Growth rate: Medium to Fast depending on conditions
Area: Background or Midground
Light: Bright to Very Bright. More light will increase health and color
Temperature: 72-82º F (22-28º C)
Propagation: From cuttings
Difficulty: 2

Alternanthera Reineckii

Scientific name: Ammannia gracilis
Common name: Delicate ammannia, Red ammannia
Origin: Africa

With its unusual leaf shape, Ammnannia gracilis can look very effective when planted in groups and set against other plants with light green leaves. For the best effect, use shorter foreground plants around the base. The leaves vary in length depending on aquarium conditions. In good conditions, they may reach 4~4.7 in (10-12 cm) long, but 3.2~4 in (8-10 cm) is more usual. For the best results, provide bright lighting and a nutrient- and iron-rich, loose substrate. Under moderate lighting the leaves may appear thin and/or weak. Bright lighting intensifies the leaf color.

Maximum height: 10-20 in (25-50 cm)
Growth rate: Medium to Fast, depending on conditions
Area: Background, Midground
Light: Very Bright
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
Propagation: From cuttings and side shoots
Difficulty: 2, 3

Ammannia Gracilis - Freshwater plant

The white markings on a black background are reminiscent of the spots on a domino damsel, but this characteristic is only seem in juveniles. As the fish mature, they become grayer and the spots fade. Young Dominos often seek the protection of sea anemones, forming a similar but less permanent relationship to that seen in their relatives, the clownfish.

Origins: The Pacific, from south-east Asia to southern Japan and eastern Australia, extending to Oceania.
Size: 6.25 cm
Diet: Eats most marine foods, including flake.
Water: Temperature 25~26º C (77~79º F), alkaline (pH 8.1~8.3) with SG 1.020~1.024.
Temperament: Territorial by nature.

Young Domino Damselfish - White spot on side of dorsal fin - jet-black coloration

These hardy fish are often recommended as the initial occupants of a newly-established marine aquarium. Mani species of damselfish adapt well to the fluctuations in water chemistry that will inevitably occur until the filtration systems is fully established. In addition, damselfish are easy to feed, and they can also be kept in small groups when young. However, once settled in their quarters, they are likely to become more territorial by nature, which can lead to the bullying of weaker individuals. There is a large number of species, some of which are very similar, and distinguishing between them is not always straightforward.

Staghorn Damselfish - (Amblyglyphidodon curacao) Originate from Pacific waters. Other damselfish are found in the Caribbean.

- Domino Damselfish
- Blue-spotted Damselfish
- Humbug Damselfish
- Four-striped Damselfish
- Black Neon Damsel
- Stripetail Damsel
- Seargeant Major
- Blue Chromis
- Blue-green Reef Fish
- Allen’s Damselfish
- Blue Damselfish
- Yellow-bellied Blue Damsel
- Molucca Damsel
- Jewelfish
- Three Spot Damsel

Disputes and Dominance:

In aquaria, most damsels prove aggressive as they mature, but on the  reef they live in larger groups, which lessens the level of aggression between individuals. An order of dominance is established within each group, resulting in fewer challenges. The fish are also less confined in the wild, and there are many more retreats, which further reduces the likelihood of conflict. Some damsels lay claim to specific feeding grounds, where algae are plentiful. They will defend these sites to ensure that they have access to an on-going food supply.

Finally, the temperature of a saltwater tank is basically the same as a freshwater tank. Anywhere between 75F to 80F (24C – 27C), with 77F (25C) being a good midpoint. Wild temperature variations increase fish stress and invariably lead to disease, so a good heater (or chiller) is a must. As an aside, submersible heaters tend to be preferred over hang on the back kinds. Also, they seem to be somewhat more reliable than the less expensive clip-on kind.

Important Factors of a Saltwater Tank