PART 39: DESTINED TO FAIL?

<< Previous | http://www.fishforums.com | Question (Concern) | 04-17-2012, 06:34 PM:

Erm… Ioha, I think you were way off base. He's simply trying to do a more natural aquarium, and sharing his ideas.

Again his ideas are nothing new and routinely brought up as a new way to do less work on the tank. Someone nailed it pretty good… a lot of work to avoid working.

E for effort there to the original poster but your methods have been tried numerous times, it always fails in the end.

http://www.fishforums.com | Answer (Explanation) | 04-17-2012, 08:34 PM:

Hi,

I really appreciate your critical feedback. Honestly, I am yet to hear about a method built and designed around Green Algae. I know of Planted Tanks and Dirt Tanks, though. Please do let me know if there is any other method you know of that is designed around Green Algae.

I promise, I shall publish it in this forum if this method fails! 

Here is my goal: This DPM Type Natural Fishbowl continues to stay in a good state and the fishes in it stay healthy over a span of at least two years.

That may not be too ambitious. But, it’s interesting. Thank you. You have a good day.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes

Additional Notes form the Author: Honestly, it is not really about who is saying it and who is trying to do it. It is really more about what is said and what is done, as far as the DPM Natural Method is concerned. It is more about the philosophy and the intention. I find it hard to believe that DPM Natural Method has been tried numerous times! I would really appreciate if someone could guide me to any documentation available in the public domain that suggests that this method has been indeed tried numerous times! A quick link to a webpage or something would be just great. This method has not failed yet, at my end. May be, it is too early to draw a conclusion. However, that makes me still more curious to know if this method has ever been really tried (and failed), earlier ;-). Next >>  << Previous

PART 38: IS THIS JUST GREAT IN THEORY?

<< Previous | http://www.fishforums.com | Question (Concern) | 04-17-2012, 04:05 PM:

I have experienced with platies (and some other livebearers as well, but I see it the worst with platies) that they seem to give off some sort of growth-inhibiting substance that will build up in the water if there are not enough water changes being done. We got lazy with our tanks for a while and we started noticing that our baby platies had not changed size in months. They seemed healthy enough and even sexually mature, but stuck at half (or less) the size of an average adult. 

That's probably why your platies tend not to grow very big. The idea of a self-sustainable aquarium is great in theory, but the fact is that the smaller a tank is, the harder it is to "maintain without maintenance", if you will. We hardly ever have to do water changes/gravel vacuuming in our 40 gallon (in relation to actual water quality) because its bigger size, live plants, and large number of bottom-feeding fish keep the tank cleaner than your average aquarium. We do have to prune down the plants quite often, though - especially the darn duckweed. ;-)

http://www.fishforums.com | Answer (Explanation) | 04-17-2012, 08:18 PM:

I am completely in agreement with all the points you have mentioned here. In fact, I have mentioned about the growth-inhibiting substance here (the very last paragraph). 

The important focus of this method is "how to make smaller aquariums self-sustainable (to a great extent), in practice". I really appreciate your valuable feedback. You have a good day.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes

Additional Notes form the Author: It is absolutely possible to compose an aquarium that is self-sustainable to a great extent, even if the size of the Fishbowl | Fish Tank in question is not really big! I have successfully converted a 15-Liter Fishbowl into a DPM Type Natural Fishbowl and been enjoying the benefits of the transformation. I never realized that maintaining an aquarium could be this easy before I moved to this natural method! I have given it a try and life is good. Next >>  << Previous

PART 37: THE READER’S DIGEST VERSION!

<< Previous | http://www.fishforums.com | Question (Concern) | 04-17-2012, 03:07 PM:

Is it possible to make an abridged version? It's REALLY long! Sounds like it might work. At least the part I read...

http://www.fishforums.com | Answer (Explanation) | 04-17-2012, 07:55 PM:

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. 

Here is the abridged version:

1. There are five basic elements to the DPM Natural Method - Sunlight, Stones, Glass, Green Algae and Water.

2. Exposure to sunlight triggers algae growth. The inhabitants eat nutrition-rich Green Algae. That is supplemented with other high quality natural fish-food.

3. Algae and fish-west help growth and sustenance of colonies of helpful bacteria. That helps in maintaining the water quality.

4. Photosynthesis by Green Algae keeps the oxygen-level reasonably high.

5. No mechanical | motorized | plastic parts are used in this method.

6. Very infrequent partial water changes are made.

NOTE: Green Algae are the heart and soul of this method. This method is, in a way, designed around Green Algae (That an aquarist usually likes to stay away from!).

Please do let me know if you have a question or if this abridged version is too compact for the purpose ;-). You have a good day.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes

http://www.fishforums.com | Question (Concern) | 04-17-2012, 03:07 PM:

Yeah, I'd love the reader's digest version without the infomercial type self-promotion...

http://www.fishforums.com | Answer (Explanation) | 04-17-2012, 03:10 PM:

I am really sorry about the painfully long mechanical description (of this method). That is the crude theorized form of this method. Could not escape that! I really appreciate your interest. Neither am I selling any product nor, am I trying to sell any service. So, there is no intention on my part to create infomercial type self-promotion. I am trying to spread awareness, lest this method should help someone or some fish ;-).

Here is the abridged version:

1. There are five basic elements to the DPM Natural Method - Sunlight, Stones, Glass, Green Algae and Water.

2. Exposure to sunlight triggers algae growth. The inhabitants eat nutrition-rich Green Algae. That is supplemented with other high quality natural fish-food.

3. Algae and fish-west help growth and sustenance of colonies of helpful bacteria. That helps in maintaining the water quality.

4. Photosynthesis by Green Algae keeps the oxygen-level reasonably high.

5. No mechanical | motorized | plastic parts are used in this method.

6. Very infrequent partial water changes are made.

NOTE: Green Algae are the heart and soul of this method. This method is, in a way, designed around Green Algae (That an aquarist usually likes to stay away from!).

Please do let me know if you have a question or if this abridged version is too compact for the purpose. You have a good day.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes Next >>  << Previous

PART 36: DOES THIS REALLY LOOK UGLY?

<< Previous | http://www.fishforums.com | Question (Concern) | 04-17-2012, 10:21 AM:

This is starting to get interesting. You should add some pics because the image I have of this right now is a neglected fish bowl. We all have those buddies where you go to their house and see the goldfish bowl that they forgot about and is offensive to look at. Obviously there is more to what you are doing but it sounds like a fancy way of saying you dont maintain your tanks. (just my interpretation)

http://www.fishforums.com | Answer (Explanation) | 04-17-2012, 07:36 PM:

I really liked the way you put it across ;-). Well, I do not have pictures of it. But, there are vivid videos. I would love to hear back from you. You have a good day.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes

http://www.fishforums.com | Expert Opinion | 04-17-2012, 07:41 PM:

Honestly that is not what I expected. I like the look of the tank. Excellent rock work by the way. As I have said before this is very interesting to me. I am curious to see how this turns out. I always enjoy a good experiment, heck all of my tanks are experiments. 

Swap out that light with something a bit more designer! Heck a single bulb led would meet your minimalist style.

http://www.fishforums.com | Answer (Response) | 04-17-2012, 08:47 PM:

……., you made my day! I am glad to hear that you liked the look of the tank. I really appreciate your curiosity. I shall keep you posted on how this turns out. And, that's a good suggestion about the light bulb. Someday, I shall share with you the story behind my current light-fixture. Thank you so much.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes Next >>  << Previous

PART 35: IS THIS METHOD FLAWED?

<< Previous | http://www.fishforums.com | Question (Concern) | 04-17-2012, 10:20 AM:

There are a few obvious flaws, but this is an interesting idea that could use a little work. The biggest problem I see is that if you want to do something sustainable, you need a large amount of space. The reason lakes are sustainable is that there is enough space to provide enough food so that once one source is depleted, the fish can move on to another and allow the first to replenish. I don't think your platies are necessarily eating the algae but the little creatures that like to live in it. There are pros and cons to this idea, keep working on it. One more thing you should consider: your platies might still be depending largely on the feedings you give them every four days. Fish can go a long time between feedings. The stunting could be because of lack of nutrition and space, not "Dwarf Platies".

http://www.fishforums.com | Answer (Explanation) | 04-17-2012, 07:27 PM:

You have an interesting point. Yes. As I have stated here (the 5th Paragraph), the bigger the environment | habitat, the better. The amount of Green Algae that grow in my DPM Type Natural Fishbowl is way more than my Platies will ever be able to consume. They keep feeding on it. And, it keeps on growing. The supply, in this case, has always been much bigger than the demand, by design. Every day, out of habit, I watch my Aquarium (Fishbowl) over a span of around 3 hours at the least! I have placed it on my work desk at home. I enjoy it. I see Platies actually feeding on Green Algae. So, I believe that.

I may be wrong. They may actually be eating the little creatures that like to live in colonies of Green Algae. I have never tried taking a real close look using a magnifying glass or microscope. To my naked eyes, it looks like they are feeding on Green Algae. Well, I have a few videos. You take a look and opine. Of course, there are pros and cons to any method. 

I personally do not believe that there exists a species called Dwarf Platies. I believe, their size is a function of the size (and type) of their habitat | environment. The type influences and includes what they get to feed on. Their smaller size, at least, is largely attributed to their small environment and the mechanism that platies deploy to align their size and population with their environment. I have mentioned about this aspect here (the last paragraph). On the food front, I really believe, they are doing fine. They just keep eating, every day, day in and day out. I do not think they would keep picking on something unless that really feeds them. Just my guess!

Thanks for the interesting observations and feedback. I really appreciate. You have a wonderful day ahead.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes
Additional Note from the Author: The fishes in question produce a lot of green and black feces | poop every day! If they are not eating enough, how come they do poop so much every day? ;-) Next >>  << Previous

PART 34: IS THIS METHOD REALLY NATURAL?

<< Previous | http://www.fishforums.com | New Discussion Thread | 04-16-2012, 07:51 PM:

Title: The new All-Natural Lowest-Maintenance Method!

It was about deriving a method of Freshwater Fish-Keeping that would make my life and that of my fishes better. I wanted it to be:

1. Self-sustained to a great extent

2. As natural as possible

3. LOWEST-Maintenance

4. Absolutely Low-Tech

5. Energy Efficient

6. Silent and extremely simple 

7. Truly healthy and comfortable for my fishes

As far as my academic education is concerned, I am not literally a Fish-Expert. I believed that I would be able to derive and develop a new All-Natural method through cycles of 'experimentation and analysis'. I got started and eventually, theorized this natural fish-keeping method!

After I deployed this method and it really worked, I was happy. My fishes were happy! And, happy was my wife ;-). She found it so cool that I would not have to spend a lot of time any more maintaining my aquarium! Well... that was a bonus!

Please do let me know if you have a question on this method. You have a wonderful day ahead. Take care.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes

http://www.fishforums.com | Question (Concern) | 04-16-2012, 11:19 PM:

I have one HUGE issue with this method for your fish. 

You are NOT providing a natural environment for them (platies) if they do not have at least some current and a source of protein-rich food. You say that they get plenty of sustenance by picking at algae, but that is just not true. Platies are naturally omnivorous like most fish - yes, even "algae eaters" are omnivorous. Of course they are eating the algae, because that's all that is available. 

How long do they live? What do they look like when and if they die? Fish need a varied diet to truly live to their potential and I don't see that being provided with your methods.

http://www.fishforums.com | Answer (Explanation) | 04-17-2012, 09:44 AM:

Thank you so much for putting across those interesting points, ........ . That gives me an opportunity to elaborate further the details of the method is question.

1. The DPM Natural Method is not about Platies, alone. It is a highly customizable scalable generic method. It is more about creating a near-natural environment that resembles the environment of a freshwater lake | pond. That being the theme, by design, no attempt has been made to incorporate a mechanism to create any current | artificial flow.

2. Creating artificial current would require a motorized mechanism (Power Head). The philosophy of this method is about getting rid of external dependencies as far as possible. It is about sustainability. In this method, you do not worry about power outage, broken motorized equipment and many more! That makes life easy and keeps it simple.

3. You are absolutely correct. Even though Green Algae are full of very rich nutrition, Platies really require other kinds of food as well (They are omnivorous). For the sake of variety and balanced nutrition, I feed my Platies once in every four days. I use a high quality natural fish-food. My Platies love that food so much. And, a 3-day interval is sure to intensify that love ;-).

4. These platies were born on the 18th and 19th of August in 2011. They are doing fine and appear healthy. My platies are very active. One of my female Platies became pregnant (by my Red male Platy) and gave birth to a few fry inside the DPM Type Natural Fishbowl. Two of those fry have survived and are doing fine (on 20-Apr-2012). These platies are smaller than the regular Platies. Some people say that these are Dwarf Platies! I believe, their size is a function of the size (and type) of their habitat | environment.

5. Many of the baby-platies from that brood (18th and 19th of August in 2011) died during the first few weeks of their birth. Those were basically the weaker ones and the ones with birth-defects. The ones that did not die are still alive and are healthy. They have grown reasonably well. But, they are smaller than the regular Platies. The good news is none of the grown-up Platies have died and I am going to celebrate their birthday in August. I believe, these platies are going to live to their true potential.

I really appreciate that you wanted to put your concern and observations across. Thank you so much for your time and interest. You gave me an opportunity to clarify the above points for all of us. You have a wonderful day ahead.

Regards,

AquariumsFishes
Additional Notes from the Author: 
(1)There is one more reason why no current is generated | produced in this method. DPM Natural Method does not use any kind of artificial filter mechanism. In the absence of a filter, any degree of current would make the Mulm | Detritus | Fish Waste fly in the water and make the water really cloudy, negatively impacting the comfort of the inhabitants and destroying the elegant look of a DPM Type Natural Fishbowl | Aquarium!
(2)The DPM Natural Method really helps when an aquarist goes on vacation and there is no one available back at home to feed the fishes and change the water. Since the fishes are accustomed (since their very childhood) to living on Green Algae and other bio-organisms that generally grow in such an ecosystem, they just do fine during that vacation without substantial damage to their health. Exposure to indirect sunlight | filtered sunlight is maintained throughout the vacation period, Green Algae keep growing and the fishes keep consuming that. The water quality remains stable. This is not a possibility in case of Automatic Feeders and Feeder Blocks | Weekend Feeders! Next >>  << Previous