May 26 2007
Just a couple of days ago I got a couple of live additions from the local shop. Two Golden Apple Snails and 2 freshwater mussels. The Golden Apple snails have not worked out too well as they are voracious eaters of aquarium plants, and I had to pull them from the tank before they totally decimated the fauna. I've got these now in a 200mm goldfish bowl with some silverbeet and lettuce leaves. The two mussels seem to be doing ok, and though they appear inanimate during the day they are mobile by night.
May 20 2007
After several years I have reignited my interest in aquaria and aquarium fish. Last week I set up a small ~50 litre tank to house coldwater fish. I have populated this with a total of 12 goldfish of different varieties, along with a Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri).

The Flora

Common Name: Chinese/Indian Algae Eater, Sucking Loach
Scientific Name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Description: An elongated fish with flattened belly, and forked caudal fin. Its mouth is under the head and is used as a sucker for holding on to rocks and leaves in fast moving streams. It is also effectively used to 'vacuum' feed on algae from flat surfaces.
It has clear fins with a silvery brown back, The underside is a silvery white. The sides have a mottled effect, with a double row of spots, becoming more distinguishable approaching the caudal fin.
Size:Up to 30cm in nature. 15-20cm in captivity.
Habitat: Found in Eastern India, Southeast Asia and Thailand.
Conditions: Temperature: 74°F - 82°F pH: 6 - 8.4 Hardness: 5° - 25°
Temperment: Territorial and rather aggressive once adult size. Juveniles are relatively peaceful.
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