Flowerhorns at Algon

I have been living here at Cabuyao, Laguna for about 4 years now. In my 4 years stay here at Cabuyao I have wondered what I can do in this quaint little town which now call my home. During one of my daily drives around town i saw a small pet shop along the highway. This shop owner was very kind to me to discuss on different hobbies that i may partake. But then i was very doubtful due to financial difficulties, and that time then i was very confused on what hobby I really wanted. At first, I researched the net for me to understand the basics on what I am getting into. Then I went to different shops, like in malls at Alabang, Cartimar at Pasay and some specialty petshops... There i found out during 2004 that i wanted to start my hobby taking care of "Flowerhorns". It started with one aquarium then two and now i have 8 aquariums. I started with breeds that were easy to take care for. At first, I thought that when you start a hobby all things will follow. But that was not the case, feeding, cleaning of aquariums, water temperature, medicines, filter systems, vitamins, different kinds of breeds were all new to me. I felt like i was again in school, new knowledge came to me like a burst of fireball. When I first saw the Flowerhorns I was attracted by its head, I have never seen a fish with a head as big as a tennis ball. It had Chinese markings on the side and with fantastic colors one can only imagine. Having a Flowerhorn for me gives me satisfaction that mere words cannot explain. An through the years it has been by companion during time when i need to relax, reflect and ponder what I should do with my life....

I would like to share my experiences in Flowhorn care:

1. Feeding - I give at least 5-8 pellets per feeding in the morning / evening. Sometimes i give a piece or two of superworms.

2. Cleaning of Aquariums - I clean my aquariums every week and with that the usual water change level 60%-80%. I found out that if you change all the water in the aquarium it would be like taking out all the furniture and habitat of the fish. So, before I finish cleaning each aquarium I put 1 tablespoon of rocksalt per gallon. Also, if needed i put a bit of malachite green or methelyne blue to add protection for my fishes.

3. Water temperature - I installed in some of my aquariums 100 watts heater to regulate the water temperature. Proper temperature for me is 28-31 degrees depending on the weather.

4. Medicines - It was my first time to come across with fresh water diseases such as popeye diease, ich, rotting tail, etc.... At first i thought, that this things happened because of my lack of attention to detail. But i found out that these flowerhorns also need medical attention like other pets do. Until now, I still research on what medications I should use to treat each disease.

5. Filter Systems - There are so many different ways to filter your aquarium, i tried the overhead method. It suits me well due to practical reasons. Its easy to clean and very effective in filtering all the unwanted elements in the aquarium.

6. Vitamins - Vitamins? that was my question when i started this hobby out. Do flowerhorns need vitamins, Well, of course they do. But for me it would be very beneficial if one installs drift wood and corals to add proper acidity and ph level of the fish to enhance the "KOK" or head. There are vitamin drops which can be brought at pet stores.

7. Different kinds of breeds - Flowerhorns are also like people, we are all Filipinos but we have different regions like the Tagalogs, Visayans, Warays, illongos, etc. In the flowerhorn world, there are the jin huas, kamfas, zen zhou, etc. Not all flowerhorn breeds bear all the qualities want in a fish. It is up to you what kind of flowerhorn you want. I prefer kamfas, because I like my flowerhorns to be big with also big heads. Colors for me are ok. But the "kok" for me is what i endear the most.

For about 4 years now, I have taken care of these fishes. It has been a joy for me to see them grow under my care. I have learned in order for one to understand a hobby research is the key to success. Do not be afraid to fail, because you will not know how it feels to succeed.