November 2008 Newsletter

This is our first official Newsletter so we've decided to bring as much ban for the buck as possible.  We've tried to include as much information and entertainment as possible and we hope you enjoy it.

First, we'd like to start off with a DIY article from Clint Norwood

I needed several tank covers for my aquariums that house Killifish. Killies are especially prone to jumping out of the tank, but they are also fond of cooler water than other tropical fish. So a glass cover wouldn't do, it traps heat. I needed to come up with something better. Reptile screen covers are available but they are quite expensive and they are somewhat cumbersome to lift off for feeding. So after thinking about it a while I came up with a pretty good solution. I gathered up the materials and tools and here is what I did.

Tools and Materials:

• Plastic Channeling - Called PVC "Slimline" End Cap at Lowes, comes in 8 foot length $2.00 ea
• Plastic "Hook Rug" mat material from the crafts section at Wally World .76 ea for large size
• A marble or nice rock that will be the handle or knob
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Heavy duty scissors or cutters.

Putting It Together

First measure the inside length and width of your tank, this needs to be exact because there is little tolerance for error here. You want it to rest on the small lip of the black rim of the tank. In my case I deducted a quarter inch off the front to back measurement to leave just enough room for an airline in the back. Next cut 2 pieces the length back to front and 2 pieces the length side to side. These ends will nest together really well when the corners are pushed together so the measurements need not compensate for the width of the channeling. Now cut the plastic mesh "mat" to the exact measurement of the inside of the tank.



The picture above should give you a good idea of how this thing goes together. Slip the channel over the 4 sides of the screen and push the shorter channels inside the longer ones. Now when you are sure it's going to fit you can hot glue the corners, or glue the whole length if you have a larger tank. And then glue on the marble for a lifting knob. Here's how it looks


 

Not bad! The final price is about $1.00 each for a 5 gallon tank cover.

Try to center the marble if possible unlike the above example. I had just lost my marbles and was a little crazy by the time I finally got around to gluing it on.

Next we would like to feature an aquatic plant for the month.

Anubias nana

Dwarf Anubias
Anubias nana
Syn: A. barteri

Photo © Animal-World

   Dwarf Anubias make great beginner plants because they can adapt readily to almost any aquarium environment!

   The leaves of the Dwarf Anubias are tough and leathery, are dark green with rounded tips, and grow to be about 3.2 inches long. This dwarf species of anubias is a great foreground plant since it only grows to a maximum height of 4.7 inches. They have a slow growth rate but are sturdy and can grow on rocks, wood, or in the substrate.

   Anubias plants are usually undemanding in terms of how much light they need. If they are planted in the substrate, they should be provided with plenty of bottom fertilization, as well as a warm bottom. Carbon dioxide fertilization is also recommended.

Distribution:
   They originate in West Aftrica.

Water conditions:
   Temperature: 72-82° F (22-28° C)
   pH: 6.0 - 7.5
   dCH: 2-15

Lighting:
   Light level: Minimal to Moderate - Anubias plants are usually undemanding in    terms of needed light.

Propagation:
   The rhizome produces side shoots, but also divides itself, producing new    plants

Availability:
   The Dwarf Anubias is readily available.

And last but certainly not least, some entertaining video for your enjoyment.