Wisconsin Weekend

Posted by Shari Horowitz in Tropical Fish Hobbyist Blog on September 21, 2011 at 7:27 am

A rasbora community. Photograph by Tony Terceira.

By David E. Boruchowitz

I just returned from Wisconsin, where I talked about nano tanks with MAS (the Milwaukee Aquarium Society) and the next day with MAAH (Madison Area Aquatic Hobbyists). I was treated regally and thoroughly enjoyed myself!

I had already caught the nano bug when I wrote Mini Aquariums (TFH Publications, 2008), but my research for that book really fueled the fire. In my presentations I discussed a concept I developed for the book: the mega nano, or using large tanks to house very small fishes. There are many natural behaviors that can be observed in a mega nano that aren’t normally seen in an aquarium. Many gorgeous planted tanks wind up being mega nanos, not because they set out to be, but because a light bioload is excellent for the aquascapes. Thus, aquatic gardeners often get to see their fish’s act as they would in the wild as a bonus to the beauty of the plants.

The audiences seemed to enjoy my talks and offered many personal experiences in response to my ideas. I found both clubs to be vibrant and exciting, with far-reaching interests and the type of camaraderie and helpfulness that seem to be universal features in aquarium societies. Although it’s never enough, there was some time for casual conversations with the members, fish room visits, and trips to a few LFSs.

A special thanks to the members of both clubs for their warm welcome and to Ted and Deb Judy and their sons Thomas and Matthew, my gracious hosts.