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