About Mixed Species
Keeping Multispecies Aquariums
The 21st century has provided the best environment in which to keep fish in aquariums. Technology now allows hobbyists to give fish many of the same conditions that they would have in the wild without having the pressures of constant predation and the uncertainty of climate and habitat destruction. Fish of many different species can be purchased from different corners of the globe and transported to the hobbyist at relatively affordable prices. More information that ever is available via print and the internet. The prospects for the future look even brighter than what we have now.
One of the consequences of the state of todays hobby environment is the possibility of creating an aquarium that consists of fish that would never see each other in the wild. Combining different fish allows the hobbyist to make themed aquariums and match fish for colors or habits. However, fish that come from different locations often require different ranges for water conditions. Many times the range of preferred water conditions, which include temperature, water pH, and water dH, have intersecting values but the extreme limits may be in the range to harm other fish in the aquarium. Determining the correct settings for an aquarium can be easily accomplished using the intersection of the ranges for the fish that populate the aquarium. For example, assume the following fish are placed in the same aquarium:
The Electric Blue Hap Cichlid (Sciaenochromis fryeri)
The Fire Rasbora (Rasbora tornieri)
The Red Scissortail (Rasbora borapetensis)
The relevant values for each fish (pH, dH, and required temperature ranges, in that order) are shown in Table 1.
The first column of numbers is the pH range for the fish, the second is the dH preferences for the fish, and the last column contains the required temperature range (in oC). For members of the species of these fish to live together the conditions for each individual species must be met. For example, consider the temperature requirements for the fish. If the temperature is too low, the fish will freeze to death. If the temperature is too high, the fish will also die. Therefore, the temperature must be in range for all of the fish. Mathematically, the temperature range must be in the intersection for each range. This condition is shown in Figure 1. Ranges for each fish are shown in different colors. The intersected range is show in cyan along the numbered temperature line. In this case the resulting temperature range for the multispecies aquarium will be from 24 – 27 oC.
The first column of numbers is the pH range for the fish, the second is the dH preferences for the fish, and the last column contains the required temperature range (in oC). For members of the species of these fish to live together the conditions for each individual species must be met. For example, consider the temperature requirements for the fish. If the temperature is too low, the fish will freeze to death. If the temperature is too high, the fish will also die. Therefore, the temperature must be in range for all of the fish. Mathematically, the temperature range must be in the intersection for each range. This condition is shown in Figure 1. Ranges for each fish are shown in different colors. The intersected range is show in cyan along the numbered temperature line. In this case the resulting temperature range for the multispecies aquarium will be from 24 – 27 oC.
Temperature is a very important characteristic of the multispecies aquarium. Another very important measure is the pH range. In this case, there is an intersection for two of the fish but the last fish has a pH range that is outside of the intersected range for the other two fish (see Figure 2).
In this case the three species of fish cannot be safely kept together.
The hardness of the water is not as vital as the temperature and pH. Therefore, the dH is nice to match, but not essential. However, where can all of this data be found, along with other necessary data for keeping the fish together? For example, the aggressiveness of the fish, the required minimum aquarium size, lighting requirements, current needs, and similar data are not normally found in the same place, if at all.
CleverArium Can Help
CleverArium has compiled a database of fish, invertebrates, snails, corals, and other animals found in aquariums for users to peruse in its app. Entering the fish found in the aquarium causes the app to access the database and do the required operations to intersect the values and determine the correct settings for the multispecies aquarium. CleverArium controllers do the same as the app from the database and automatically set the values in the tank so that all of the fish can be comfortable and thrive in the aquarium.
Other information contained in the database include where in the world the fish come from, their habitat, maximum length, how many fish should be purchased to school together, what amount of regular water change is required, common and scientific names, and where in the water column the fish prefer. Information and new species are being added regularly, with literally thousands of fish already entered. Hobbyists should make this app a part of their regular maintenance tools for working with their fish and getting the most out of their aquariums.