Rocking B Aquatics

23/11/2023

4 albino plecos and some driftwood brought into this 75 to celebrate 6 (actually 7) months of consistent maintenance. The fish are behaving much more naturally with their new live plants and real wood, with tons of line of nooks to hide in. Everybody was showing off as soon as I got done scaping.

10/10/2023

I’ve just published my newest extracurricular research paper! It’s a bit long, so I’ll give you the abstract here, but check it out in the “Research” tab of my website! The full paper includes images of each studied plot, as well as more detailed information and analysis.

SEEDS OF CHANGE: CONSERVATION STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE OF A DEVELOPING WETLAND IN NAVARRE BETHLEHEM PARK

ABSTRACT
This research focuses on studying the population distribution of Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) and Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) within Navarre Bethlehem Park, with a particular emphasis on their relationship to soil moisture and soil pH. Over the course of several years, the wetland area in the park has undergone significant changes, with a ditch evolving into a thriving wetland ecosystem. We conducted field observations and collected data on soil properties and plant populations in order to assess the factors influencing the distribution of these two plant species.

Findings indicate that there is no statistically significant correlation between soil moisture, soil pH, and the number of S. latifolia plants in the wetland. While S. latifolia is native and prefers acidic soils, and P. arundinacea is an invasive species favoring slightly basic soils, collected data did not reveal a clear pattern in their distribution based on these factors.

To address the challenges posed by P. arundinacea and promote native biodiversity, we propose a management plan involving controlled burning in late fall followed by inundation of the affected area. This approach is informed by existing research and aims to create conditions favorable to S. latifolia while suppressing P. arundinacea.

Further research is recommended, including longer-term data collection and experiments to test the success of transplanting S. latifolia. These efforts will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between these plant species and guide effective wetland conservation strategies.

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the complex interplay between native and invasive species in a changing wetland ecosystem and offers potential solutions for preserving and enhancing native biodiversity in Navarre Bethlehem Park.

01/09/2023

School is in session, but I’m in the wrong one!

12/06/2023

So awesome to have small pieces I can put a ton of effort into! The left is Bucepalandra, the right is a Cryptocoryne I’ve grown emerse. I have more to scape. Commission yours today 😉

21/05/2023

Behind the trim boards, there are more plants than meet the eye. In the distant tank 2, there is a MASSIVE Water sprite plant growing emerse. The plant is almost unseen through the aquarium, but it acts as a shade for the carpeted tank beneath. This thing only gets 4 hours of light daily.

Believe it or not, I can do this in your home tank too. 😉

21/05/2023

The newts are in the enclosure and the lid is on. I’ve added a large bush of flowering ludwigia I grew in my window. The native range of L repens doesn’t quite match up with the red spotted Newt I don’t think, but hey, I’ve got to use it somewhere right? I don’t think the newts will mind too much, it’s just shade cover for them.

My intent here was to replicate a forested junction of streams, because this newt species prefers forested riparian zones throughout the eastern part of the country. The dark area on the left is an “undercut bank” which provides a dark hide for the inhabitants. (newts like it, and look super cool under a flashlight there) With luck, these little guys and this enclosure will join me as a part of the stark county fair at the end of summer.

13/05/2023

I can’t wait for the client to send me pictures as this Dwarf Saggitaria carpet grows in!
Scaping around specific pieces of existing plastic decor presents a fun challenge, and this client took the opportunity to have the substrate re-layered using naturalistic methods.

13/05/2023

Planted a client’s Dwarf Saggitaria Carpet this morning! Can’t wait to share the finished product once it all clears!

19/02/2023

Lots of plants grown out, ready for new aquariums! I currently have these tanks ready to scape for your home/business

ONE 55 gallon with a black stand
Many 10 gallon aquariums
ONE Sapele (exotic mahogany) 10 gallon light designed for heavily planted tanks

Aside from providing wonderful plant growing characteristics, this light also directs almost 100% of its light below the rim of the aquarium, resulting in the most spectacular desk lamp you’ve ever worked in front of.

19/12/2022

Fantastic news: over 53000 corals were restored in just seven years!

source: Coral Guardian

09/12/2022

Merry Christmas! Simplify your holiday stresses by calling in expert help for your aquarium. Memberships available for all types of fishkeeper. Check out Rockingbaquatics.com to learn more

09/12/2022

10/11/2022

Local or not. Planted or not. Healthy fish or not.
There’s a membership with you in mind at RockingBAquatics.com/membership-levels

Aquarium Consulting membership Tiers Wengei $12.00 Every month For the aquarium owner who wants just a bit of guidance with their aquarium. During Virtual calls, you will report your testing results and recent experiences with the aquarium. Sign Up Reticulata $22.00 Every month This Bi-Weekly Servic...

01/09/2022

Check out this aquascape I did a while back! Client said “I want to get plants, but I don’t want to worry about picking them out, planting them, or any of that. Do whatever, I know it will be cool” and that’s what I did. The tank even got a starter shrimp colony!

30/06/2022

Here is my latest stock of jars!
1 or 2 qt - $15
Moss Jar - $15
Moss Jar set (3) - $40
1 gal - $20
2 gal - $40
2 gal w/ hardscape $60
5 gal - $100

22/06/2022

5 gallon glass shrimp jars, now available
These are quite the challenge to plant, but I think they’re worth it!

19/06/2022

SOLD
This jar is perfect for someone short on space! The plants are Ludwigia Ovalis, and they’re my favorite stem plant. They will continue to grow relatively quickly, so you can let them grow out of the water, or bring it back for a trim and replant to get a more bushy jar!

Jar only: $15
Jar + 4 shrimp: $30

This jar is NOT suitable for any species of fish, and can support only a limited number of shrimp. If it is replanted as it grows, it will accommodate more shrimp, but for now I would start with no more than 4-5 cherry shrimp.

05/06/2022

Looking for an active, colorful work of art in your living room? Mutt guppies and Cherry shrimp work together to bring a real pop to the aquarium, and a properly aquascaped planted tank provides the perfect environment for reproduction!

30/05/2022

“Do you have any ready?”
Yep! All of these are ready to go!
1 gal jars $20
Square jar $15
Small Java moss jar $10

26/05/2022

I’ve got some planted jars to sell! Perfect for a windowsill or end table!

Most of these are 1 gal, though there are oddballs. These planted jars are capable of supporting a small colony of about 5 shrimp, but they are not large enough for ANY fish.

With no additions other than shrimp, maintenance should consisist of extremely light shrimp feeding once a week or so, and topping off the water regularly to account for evaporation. For proper plant growth, set your jar in a window where it can get full sun.

1 gal planted jars $20
Small Java moss jars $10-$20
Tall square jar $15
Group of 5 shrimp $15

24/05/2022

Ludwigia Ovalis as seen from above

23/05/2022

After a week of designing and gathering materials for a client’s saltwater reef, it’s nice to sit down and enjoy freshwater at home.

20/05/2022

Neat little summer project I have going. This is a planted outdoor pond, heated, with a growing colony of Liberty mollies.