*This article contains affiliate links.
Finally, the 60cm wide aquarium dedicated to Imperial Zebra Plecos (L046) is complete.
The system, which I’ve covered in previous articles (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3), is now fully operational. This time, I’d like to summarize its completed form and what I’ve learned from actual operation—especially my commitment to “daily cleaning.”
▲ Full view of the 60cm wide acrylic aquarium
Overall Aquarium System Configuration
Filtration: Grande 600 Wet & Dry 3-Tier + Sponge Filter
At the heart of the filtration is the Grande 600. It uses a Kotobuki Power 8 pump and has a 3-tier wet & dry setup. Since wet & dry filtration is excellent for bacterial colonization, I feel it’s a very reliable system for Imperial Zebra Plecos, which are sensitive to water quality.
▲ Grande 600, 3-tier wet & dry setup
Additionally, a sponge filter is also running with Kotobuki Power 8. While the Grande filter alone might be sufficient, I absolutely want to avoid any deterioration in the water quality for my Imperial Plecos, so I’ve set up a dual filtration system.
ポチップ
Disease Prevention with a UV Sterilizer
This is a UV sterilizer I purchased because it was inexpensive on Amazon. Imperial Plecos are difficult to treat if they contract diseases like Ich, so I believe there’s no harm in installing one for prevention.
▲ UV Sterilizer Installation
Schwatch (Fine Bubble Generator)
For aeration, I use a fine bubble generator called Schwatch. Finer bubbles dissolve into the water more effectively than with a regular air stone, making it a reliable asset for oxygen supply.
▲ Schwatch Fine Bubbles
Heaters: 160W x 2
I am using two GEX Safe Cover Navi Pack 160 heaters. I originally had two spare 160W heaters, so I’m using them as is, but for the volume of water in this tank, one 160W heater would likely be insufficient, so it turned out to be just the right setup.
▲ Stable water temperature management with two 160W heaters
ポチップ
Constantly Monitor Water Temperature with SwitchBot Waterproof Thermo-Hygrometer
I can constantly check the water temperature from my smartphone using the SwitchBot Waterproof Thermo-Hygrometer. Being able to quickly notice changes in water temperature even when I’m out and about is quite a mental relief.
▶ See SwitchBot Waterproof Thermo-Hygrometer on Amazon
▲ Installation of SwitchBot Waterproof Thermo-Hygrometer
What I Value Most: Daily Cleaning
More than the equipment, I actually believe that “daily cleaning” is the most important aspect of managing this aquarium.
Imperial Zebra Plecos have a hearty appetite and produce a considerable amount of waste. Since the accumulation of waste and leftover food at the bottom directly leads to water quality deterioration, I make sure to clean daily using a combination of two types of tools.
Combination of Cleaner Pipette × Pro-Hose
First, using the GEX Cleaner Syphon, direct a jet of water into hard-to-reach corners, such as under shelters and driftwood. The goal is to dislodge hidden waste and leftover food from the substrate.
▶ See the GEX Cleaner Syphon on Amazon
Then, siphon out the dislodged debris with the Suisaku Pro-Horse Extra M. I find this process of flushing it out with the syphon and then finishing it off with the Pro-Horse quite satisfying.
▶ See the Suisaku Pro-Horse Extra M on Amazon
▲ Siphoning out a large amount of substrate debris with the Pro-Horse Extra M
Doing this every day is, admittedly, a bit of a chore, but if I neglect it, I know the water quality will deteriorate and my Imperial Plecos will suffer, so it has become a habit. In fact, the time I spend tending to my aquarium every day is quite comforting.
Eliminating Forgetting to Turn On the Filter After Feeding
Forgetting to turn on the filter after feeding—if you do this, you’ll definitely regret it, right? I introduced the SwitchBot Smart Plug and neatly solved this problem.
▶ See the SwitchBot Smart Plug on Amazon
▲ Automating power management with the SwitchBot Smart Plug
I’ve assigned the ‘feeding’ scene to the ‘off button’ on the SwitchBot Hub 2. With just one press of the button, all filters and air pumps turn off, and they automatically turn back on after 10 minutes. This eliminates the mistake of forgetting to turn the filters back on after feeding.
Light-Blocking Film for Breeding
Imperial Zebra Plecos are sensitive to external views and light, and I particularly want to avoid stressing them during breeding season. Therefore, I paid special attention to light blocking for the aquarium.
I’ve applied black background film to the three sides other than the front.
▶ See Black Background Film on Amazon
For the front, I chose KTJ Window Film (Magic Mirror). Since the outside cannot be seen from inside the tank, the plecos are less likely to notice when a person approaches. When the light is on, the inside can be seen from the outside, so observation is still possible. I feel that the fish are spending their time more calmly than before, and it seems that applying it to avoid disturbing their breeding efforts was worthwhile.
▶ See KTJ Window Film Magic Mirror on Amazon
▲ Aquarium enclosed with magic mirror film on the front and black film on three sides
Current Inhabitants
Currently, there are three Imperial Zebra Plecos in this 60cm wide tank.
▲ A robust male, about 10cm
- Robust male, about 10cm: He has a good physique and is firmly settled in the shelter.
- Female with a bulging belly: She clearly looks to be gravid, and I can’t help but feel hopeful.
- Another female: She’s included to maintain a balanced trio.
▲ Female with a bulging belly. I’m looking forward to them breeding.
Every time I see the female with the bulging belly, my expectations can’t help but rise. It would be wonderful if they bred.
Conclusion
The 60cm wide acrylic tank is finally fully operational.
I tried to be particular about the equipment, but I’ve come to realize once again that the most important thing, in the end, is diligent daily cleaning. I believe that consistently working at it every day, with a pipette and a Pro-Hose in hand, is the biggest secret to keeping Imperial Zebra Plecos healthy.
Now, all that’s left is to wait for the Imperial Zebra Plecos to breed. I’m sitting in front of the tank today, full of anticipation for the female with the bulging belly.
コメント