Maidenhead Aquatics at Hickstead

23/07/2024

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21/07/2024

Red-clawed Crayfish
These fascinating freshwater lobsters are best kept in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places. Tank Mates should be chosen with care

The Red-clawed Crayfish is known from lakes, lagoons, slow-moving sections of rivers, and coastal freshwater streams. This beautiful blue decapod is a popular choice for the home aquarium, but due to its predatory nature, it should be kept in a species-tank environment. The substrate should consist of aquatic sand or fine, rounded gravel; this is because although the Red-clawed Crayfish is classed as non-burrowing, it will wallow and excavate small amounts of substrate until its favoured shelter is enlarged in a layout that is acceptable. The tank should be furnished with several shady caves (these could be fashioned from rocks, driftwood, bamboo or PVC tubes, coconut shells etc), with cobbles and pebbles added to the surroundings to create a stream bed effect.

20/07/2024

These livebearing fish are best kept in groups in a planted aquarium. Despite having adaptable ancestors, fancy guppies need well-maintained aquaria with a high carbonate hardness to thrive. Outnumber the males with females to reduce harassment

19/07/2024

The Marbled Whiptail Catfish is widely distributed in the Amazon region and is usually found in sandbar habitats in the wild.

These sedentary bottom-dwellers are best kept in a spacious, mature aquarium with neutral to soft, slightly acidic conditions. Provide a large expanse of soft sand substrate with a number of shady hiding places amongst driftwood and rocky caves. Open expanses of sand in brightly lit tanks can be shaded by floating plants, or with large, broad-leaved plants such as Anubias tied to the decor.

18/07/2024

The Congo Tetra is a beautiful, active species and is fairly timid and easily frightened. It is very important, therefore, to keep them in groups of at least 6, and preferably more. The tank should include areas of dense planting in order for the fish to feel secure. The water should be clean and well-oxygenated, with a good flow rate. Not to be kept with boisterous, fin-nipping fish, or any tiny fish species.

18/07/2024

Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flowerFamily:
Campanulaceae

Height: 1m

Spread: 30cm

Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour: Red

Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade

Soil: Clay / Heavy / Moist

Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower) is a brilliantly colourful and showy damp-loving perennial that blooms throughout summer and into autumn, brightening the garden at a time when many other plants are finishing for the year. This hardy perennial must have moisture in order to thrive, either in good moisture-retentive soil, a bog garden or even in shallow water at the edge of a pond.

Lobelia cardinalis is handsome in both flower and foliage, bearing many brilliant scarlet-red flowers up to 5cm long. The blooms are borne on stems up to 1m tall that rise vertically from a basal rosette of foliage. The leaves are long and slender, bright green tinged with bronze, or purple in the case of named varieties such as ‘Bee’s Flame’ and ‘Queen Victoria’.

Lobelia cardinalis is an herbaceous perennial, dying back to the ground in autumn and regrowing in spring.

17/07/2024

The Banjo Catfish is known from the Amazon River basin where it typically inhabits creeks, lakes, ponds, and rainforest streams. Here these secretive catfish will be found on (or buried in) the silty substrate, hiding motionless underneath dense leaf litter and fallen branches. These sedentary bottom-dwellers are best kept in a large, mature aquarium and are unfussy with regards to water chemistry providing extremes are avoided. Provide a soft sand substrate with plenty of shady hiding places amongst driftwood and rocky caves. As these fish prefer dim lighting, open expanses of sand in brightly lit tanks should be shaded with large, broad-leaved plants. These fish will usually remain partially buried during daylight hours, and the addition of dried leaf litter would further help to emulate the natural environment.

17/07/2024

With summer weather coming adding some water for wildlife into your garden is a life saver. Be sure to slope one side in case anything falls in and need to climb back out. A rock area offers a place for amphibians to hibernate over winter. Plants provide shade and take nutrients from the water preventing it going green

16/07/2024

Threadfin Rainbowfish make superb additions to the peaceful softwater community aquarium. They are best maintained in small groups, ideally of at least 6 specimens, with two females to every male. The females are very pretty fish, but it is the males with their elongated dorsal and a**l finnage that are the most eye-catching. Keeping a mixed s*x group often results in the males displaying quite stunning colouration whilst displaying to the females, so as to 'out-do' rival males. The tank itself should be at least 2ft long and darkly furnished with a good amount of bogwood and plant cover, both rooted and floating. Frequent partial water changes are a must, and gentle water circulation should be provided. Tankmates must be small and peaceful and not of a fin-nipping nature. May also be seen on sale as the Featherfin Rainbowfish.

15/07/2024

The Albino Ruby Shark can be quite territorial, and in a small aquarium it should be kept as a single specimen with no similar species. A far better way to keep these fish is as a large, rowdy group in a well-furnished set up in a similar way to some of the more boisterous barbs. Hiding places amongst rocky caves, bogwood and live plants will be very much appreciated. This primarily bottom-dwelling species mixes well with barbs, danios, rainbow fish and tetras, etc, that occupy a higher level in the tank. Despite their name, these are not predatory fish and will generally ignore small tankmates. This is the same species as the Ruby Shark, but in an aquarium-cultivated albino form. May also be seen on sale as Albino Rainbow Shark.

14/07/2024

Clown loach

These entertaining shoaling fishes need a large aquarium and can be useful for controlling snail infestations. Other species are available for smaller aquaria.

13/07/2024

Rams are a peaceful, but delicate dwarf cichlid species that are recommended for experienced aquarists. They are best maintained as a male-female pair in a peaceful community setting with lots of plants and caves. They must only be kept in softwater aquaria, and should not be housed with any aggressive species which may bully them. Small groups of Rams can be kept together, but you may find that certain fish pair off, and when breeding, they can become a little territorial towards others.

12/07/2024

Synonyms Trichogaster lalius, Colisa lalia, Colisa lalius, Polyacanthus lalius, Trichopodus lalius

Distribution Bangladesh, India & Pakistan. Has been introduced to other countries.

Maximum Size 9cm (3.54")

Temperature 18-28°C

Water Parameters Acclimatises to a wide range of water conditions. Wild-caught specimens should be kept in soft, acidic water.

Compatibility Community

Lighting No special requirements

Sexual Dimorphism Males are usually more brightly coloured with pointed extensions to unpaired fins. Females are more rounded with smaller fins.

Feeding Flake, granules and frozen foods

11/07/2024

New plants in stock

10/07/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Richard Bennet-smith

09/07/2024

Canna Carmen starting to flower

07/07/2024

Dragonflies Are the Best Mosquito Predators.

Dragonflies are not just beautiful to look at; they are also voracious mosquito predators. An adult dragonfly can eat up to hundreds of mosquitoes in a single day.

Their predatorial skills are unmatched, making them a key player in controlling mosquito populations naturally.
Creating a Dragonfly-Friendly Environment
Attracting dragonflies to your backyard is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can make your garden inviting for these beneficial insects:

1. Build a Pond
Dragonflies lay their eggs in water, so having a pond or water feature in your garden is crucial. It doesn't have to be a large pond; a small one will do. Ensure it has shallow edges and some aquatic plants to mimic a natural habitat.

2. Add Native Plants
Planting native grasses and blooming plants around your pond will provide perching spots for dragonflies to rest and hunt. Native plants are more likely to attract insects that dragonfly larvae feed on, ensuring they have a food source.

3. Avoid Using Pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to dragonflies. Avoid using chemical pesticides in your garden to create a safe environment for these insects. Instead, focus on natural pest control methods.

4. Install Flat Rocks
Dragonflies love to bask in the sun, and flat rocks provide the perfect surface for them to do so. Place some flat rocks around your pond area to attract sunbathing dragonflies.

5. Keep Water Clean
Dragonflies need clean water for their larvae to thrive. Ensure your pond's water is clear of pollutants and populated with beneficial creatures like aquatic snails that help keep the water clean.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to attracting dragonflies and reducing your mosquito problem naturally. Not only will you enjoy a more pleasant outdoor experience, but you'll also enhance your garden's ecosystem.

Be aware dragonfly nymphs are also predators so make sure it's a wildlife pond not a fish pond, as small fish may get eaten.

07/07/2024

Who's having a lazy Sunday

05/07/2024

📢Just a safety reminder to those who took some display units last night from Kennedy Landscapes & Gardens show garden. 🔦🔐

🔌They actually were available to purchase during our opening times in store, then you will get enough cable to actually use the pumps this will not be safe as you cut the cables so short. 🔌

⚡ Electrics and water don't mix ⚡.

🚨We did also notice a bit falling of one item at the gates in the CCTV so anyone seeing second hand OASE product on the market be vigilant it may not be in working order🚨

🧾Also if you purchase items you do get a warrantee with suppliers OASE is between 2-5 years depending on the product so always worth getting while a shop is open.🧾

🎥I won't post CCTV as it's not from us you took it but it's being passed on. 🎥

30/06/2024

Orange Cory

Synonyms Corydoras venezuelanus

Distribution Venezuela

Maximum Size 6.5cm (2.6")

Temperature 19-25°C

Water Parameters pH: 6.8-7.8

Compatibility Community

Lighting No special requirements

Sexual Dimorphism Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above.

Feeding Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods

These long-lived catfish are best kept in groups in a large aquarium with a sandy substrate

29/06/2024

29/06/2024

Good morning.

🐟 Just though id show you our tanks are lovely and busy, with many different colours and species ready for their new home this weekend. 🐟

28/06/2024

Struggling with pond algae?

Green water/algae is often caused by over feeding and fish waste. It is unsightly and can be dangerous as it may alter the pH and oxygen levels. It can also harm your plants by outcompeting the plants for nutrients.

We have a wide range of algae treatments; some work by actively killing the algae and others work by stripping out nutrients, some bind the algae so you can scoop it out or filter it, you could even add a skimmer to do this for you.

Decreasing your waters phosphate and nitrate levels will also help with unwanted algae growth.

25/06/2024

New stock of crabs in store.

24/06/2024

With temperatures finally set to rise this week, now is a great time to check your aquarium is safe from overheating. Warmer water holds less oxygen, so make sure all filters and aerating devices are running well to keep your fish happy and healthy. Plastic bottles of frozen water are a handy emergency measure but nothing beats a chiller when you really need it. https://ow.ly/TQA150SoeEZ