11 Sep, 2023 By admin
Natural Biology of Altum Scalare

This matters because it kind of addresses some of the ways (and reasons) you can improve the condition and success with Altum scalare (Angel fish) 

In nature: Altum scalare would form schools of individuals, dozens of them, just hanging in a gentle Amazon-current among tall plants like Valisneria – and the water was warm with a pH about 6.9-7.0 and tannin rich. And always, floating down the river to where they would congregate, there would be tiny insects and larve, copepods, daphnia – in vast amounts because well, it was the Amazon and it wasn't polluted. So, it was warm and the feed was constant, and tiny. So they eventually evolved into “not powerful” swimmers, mastering instead “motionless” and calorie conservation, compressed low-drag bodies and tiny mouths for pinpoint accuracy taking native copepods and rotifers, like Daphnia. 
Feed was constant in their natural world: Because warm water hastens metabolism, so that meant they had to be on the lookout for every tiny morsel of food.
BASICS OF ANGELFISH JOY: 

 = Tannins

 = Moderate to low pH
 = High aeration without too much water current 
 = Temperature in the high-seventies, low eighties
 = Frequent or constant light feeding
 = Carnivore fare (tiny slow-sinking pellets / flakes) 
ERIK L. JOHNSON 

16 Aug, 2023 By admin
THC Delta 8 in dogs:

An update on THC Delta 8 Isomer in Dogs 

Despite the Internet’s insistence that Delta-8 Isomer THC in dogs is “toxic” –  it’s entirely the opposite. 

THC Delta 8 in dogs works VERY well with a long re-dosing interval. 

Once-a-day dosing is VERY reasonable. If you dose Delta-8 Isomer gummies in the morning , it will wear off completely at about 18-22 hours. 

Dosing THC Delta 8 in dogs more conservatively can ensure that effects don’t last more than 24 hours. And can sustain a suitable length-of-effect without dosing as high as the first dose. 

After the first few doses of THC Delta 8 in dogs, drooling is MINIMAL. 

There is definitely a “first 3-5 hours” of visible effect from the Delta 8 Gummies. Where the dog might sway while standing, or bump into your leg when turning around. After that time, however, you can still see a ‘calmness’ without any physical manifestation. Just a “slower wagging tail” and a more “considered” response to squirrels in the yard or the UPS man crossing the driveway. 


I doubt that a dog would need to be on Delta 8 THC Isomer gummies for life. My wager would be that a dog would realize that “so much angst” is unnecessary and unwarranted and “forget” to be so spazzy about things. That would be the hope, anyway. 


There’s a chart for dosing, and a VERY comprehensive discussion of the obvious and not-so-obvious side effects of THC Delta 8 isomer gummies in dogs. The assessments were done with healthy subject dogs, using 25mg Gummies by “Koi Inc.” Grape flavored without xylitol. 

THC Delta 8 in dogs:  https://drjohnson.com/thc 

Disclaimer: It’s crucial that these comments and notes aren’t broadened to include Delta 6,9,10 nor “full spectrum” THC or “plain weed” because it’s NOT. These notes and assessments are made on a specific strength, brand and dose of Delta 8 isomer THC given as an oral ‘gummy’. It has never been recommended for use over 1mg/kg and it’s unlikely it would ever need to be. 

 

26 Jul, 2023 By admin
THC in Grams: That’s How “They” Discuss Delta 8 THC in Dogs
It’s obvious to an outside observer that CBD manufacturers have everything to lose with THC becoming more and more accessible. 

CBD doesn’t work without micro-traces of THC. 
Which is fine if you use CBD with less than 0.3% THC and give enough to hit some THC-mark that works. 
But I believe that THC in one form, or another (Delta-8) is here to stay and should be embraced. 
The following article shows that THC isomer Delta-8 being discussed in GRAMS is an effective way to demonize it, versus acknowledging that in MILLIgrams (a thousand times less) –  It’s safe. 

1 Jul, 2023 By admin
A Gift of Custom Burl Wood Ring from My Customer
I’ve seen these wooden rings before but I doubted their durability and value. Then I saw some close up. In fact, I GOT some from my client, who is one of the best burl wood ring craftsmen out there. He has an Etsy shop and his rings carry a $5 replacement guarantee. So I thought: “I can get behind that” and now, I know exactly what to buy for “difficult” people at Christmas and birthdays. 
Here’s a brief discussion (with pictures) of these rings, how they’re made and HOW THEY ARE SO STRONG. By Doug Wrege, at https://burlrings.etsy.com
Below, the link to the full length article with pictures. 
26 Jun, 2023 By admin
Tiger Barb – Barbus Tetrazona – one of my favorite fish

 Hi, Doc Johnson here. With a few words about one of my top five favorite community tank fish. That’s the “Tiger Barb” in any of it’s many colors. 

They have a powder blue, a dark green, an all-black, normal, and even albino which is a delightful golden color. 
My MAIN purpose in this article is to tell you the TWO most important things. 
First: They have to eat practically constantly. If you’re forgetful and miss a day between feedings, it’s probable that your Tiger Barbs won’t last more than a couple months. I keep all my Tiger Barbs on an automatic feeder –  with a tiny pellet food and they do AMAZINGLY.  
Second: In tanks over 25-30 gallons their fin nipping is NOT that big of a deal. Even then, in a ten gallon tank their attentions are usually focused on each other, similar tetras, or anything with long(ish) fins. 
Past these personal musings, I think you’ll like them. Just keep ‘em fed, and keep them in at least “trios” or even five-at-a-time depending on tank size. I my 55 gallon plant tank I have almost 15. 
Now for the “meat and potatoes” of my article on Tiger barbs, barbus tetrazona
If you like this article, there’s a LOT more (more than a thousand) articles at https://drjohnson.com on this and many other topics, written BY A VET and an accomplished aquarist –  NOT written by ChatGPT –  and there’s nothing wrong with ChatGPT as long as it’s proofed by an expert for errors. Thank you. 
Title: Exploring the Fascinating World of Barbus Tetrazona: Natural Range, Habits, and Care
Introduction:
Barbus Tetrazona, commonly known as the Tiger Barb, is a captivating freshwater fish species that has gained popularity among aquarium enthusiasts. With its striking appearance and engaging behavior, the Tiger Barb adds vibrancy and liveliness to any aquatic environment. In this article, we will delve into the natural range of the Tiger Barb, its feeding habits, water quality preferences, aggression levels, suitable tank sizes, and uncover three interesting facts about this remarkable fish.
1. Natural Range:
The Tiger Barb is native to the waters of Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. In these regions, it can be found inhabiting rivers, streams, and ponds with dense vegetation. These habitats are characterized by warm, clear waters, which serve as the ideal environment for the Tiger Barb to thrive.
2. Feeding Habits:
Tiger Barbs are omnivorous, which means they consume both plant matter and small invertebrates. In their natural habitat, they feed on algae, aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and plant material. When kept in an aquarium, a well-balanced diet should consist of high-quality flakes or pellets supplemented with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms.
3. Water Quality Preferences:
Maintaining suitable water conditions is crucial for the health and well-being of Tiger Barbs. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The water temperature should be kept between 72°F and 79°F (22°C – 26°C). Tiger Barbs are adaptable and can tolerate a range of water hardness, although slightly soft to moderately hard water is generally preferred.
4. Aggression Levels:
Tiger Barbs are known for their feisty and active nature. They exhibit a hierarchical social structure, and within their own species, they can display aggression, especially if kept in small groups. It is recommended to keep Tiger Barbs in groups of at least six or more to help distribute aggression and prevent individual fish from being singled out. Mixing them with other fast-moving and similarly sized fish can also help reduce aggression.
5. Suitable Tank Size:
Providing ample space is essential when considering Tiger Barbs for your aquarium. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a small group of Tiger Barbs. They are active swimmers and appreciate a well-decorated tank with hiding spots and plenty of swimming space. Dense vegetation and open areas are both appreciated by these lively fish.
Three Interesting Facts:
a) Fin Nipping: Tiger Barbs are notorious for their fin-nipping tendencies, especially if kept in small groups or with slow-moving, long-finned species. Care should be taken when selecting tankmates to avoid fish with delicate fins.
b) Breeding Behavior: Male Tiger Barbs are known for their vibrant coloration and interesting courtship rituals. During breeding, males intensify their colors and chase the females, often leading to elaborate displays of courtship. Proper breeding conditions, such as densely planted tanks and soft water, can encourage successful reproduction.
c) Schooling Behavior: Tiger Barbs are highly social fish that thrive when kept in schools. They exhibit fascinating schooling behavior, swimming together in coordinated movements. Witnessing a group of Tiger Barbs in harmony is a captivating sight that adds to the allure of keeping them in your aquarium.
Conclusion:
The Tiger Barb, with its distinctive appearance and captivating behavior, has become a beloved species in the aquarium hobby. Understanding its natural range, feeding habits, water quality preferences, and social behavior is essential for providing the best care. By replicating their natural habitat, maintaining suitable water

22 Jun, 2023 By admin
Mantis Shrimp As Marine Pets in Thick Acrylic Tanks

Mantis shrimp come in a variety of striking colors, including vibrant shades of green, red, blue, and orange. They have segmented bodies and prominent eyes on stalks, providing them with excellent vision. The size of mantis shrimp varies depending on the species, ranging from a few centimeters to up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) in length.

Mantis shrimps are fascinating creatures known for their remarkable intelligence and unique attributes. They possess highly developed visual systems and complex behaviors, making them captivating pets for enthusiasts. Here are some key aspects of their intelligence and attributes when kept as pets:

1. Visual prowess: Mantis shrimps have one of the most advanced visual systems in the animal kingdom. They possess compound eyes capable of perceiving an extensive range of colors and polarized light. This remarkable vision helps them navigate their surroundings and hunt with precision.

2. Hunting skills: Mantis shrimps are formidable predators. They have powerful claws that can strike with incredible speed and force, capable of breaking through shells and even glass aquarium walls. Their hunting techniques and ability to catch prey make them captivating to observe.

3. Intricate behaviors: Mantis shrimps exhibit various complex behaviors, including burrowing, cleaning their surroundings, and constructing intricate burrows or nests. They can also display social behaviors, such as sharing a burrow with a mate or engaging in courtship rituals.

4. Aquarium setup: Keeping mantis shrimps as pets requires a carefully designed aquarium. They need a suitable environment with appropriate water parameters, hiding places, and substrate to mimic their natural habitat. Proper research and understanding are crucial to ensure their well-being.

5. Individual personalities: Mantis shrimps can display unique personalities and behaviors, which adds to their allure as pets. Some individuals may be more curious and interactive, while others may be more reclusive. Observing and understanding their individual traits can be an enjoyable aspect of keeping them as pets.

It's important to note that mantis shrimps can be challenging to care for due to their specialized needs and potential aggression. They require an experienced and responsible owner who can provide the appropriate care and environment to ensure their welfare.

Because Mantis Shrimp can break the tank they’re kept in, I’d recommend finding a fish tank with extremely thick acrylic. These kinds of tanks are usually custom made. For information about Custom Made Acrylic Tanks at a very reasonable price, you should look at the super thick acrylic tanks they make at Big Fish Custom Acrylic Aquariums.

I got my 55 gallon ‘scrap glass’ acrylic tank for under $300 but I was “johnny on the spot”

https://bigfishcaa.com 

4. Lifespan:

The lifespan of mantis shrimp can vary, but most species live for an average of 3 to 5 years. However, with proper care and a suitable environment, some species can live up to 10 years or more.

5. Proper Care and Feeding:

You can read the whole article which is also illustrated at: 

Also check out: 

20 Jun, 2023 By admin
Zoo Quality Acrylic Tanks and Enclosures That Will Surprise You
Do you think you’d like a great big acrylic tank? Would you want it to be custom made for a particular room or a particular kind of fish? 

Big Fish Custom Acrylic Aquariums makes, installs and sells some of the dream tanks we only wish we could have. I went to their shop in Atlanta and it’s amazing. Full-on professional and they’re building thousand-gallon tanks. 

For the full article with more images, examples, links and their pricing:    

https://drjohnson.com/custom-acrylic-aquariums-in-atlanta-for-less-than-youd-think/


I thought Clarity Plus, Tenecor and the other big names were the way to go, if considering a zoo-quality acrylic enclosure for fish. I found a company here in Georgia that specializes in ‘overbuilt’ indestructible-quality acrylic tanks. 
Big Fish Custom Acrylic Aquariums
The tank I got from them is made with scraps from their major commercial and residential installations. (There are people getting tanks put in their houses and businesses that are thousands of gallons). 
(And thousands of dollars) 
But when “all is said and done” they end up with some “decent sized” acrylic scrap that’s too good to throw away so they sometimes make these smaller tanks. With 1” acrylic in some cases!
This would be AMAZING for a tank to keep a Mantis Shrimp in. Amazing to put an actual Maine Lobster in because of the R-value insulation qualities of really thick acrylic. 
With the quality of the build, the quality of the acrylic and especially the thickness of the acrylic this tank should have cost $1000 but it was under $300 
I’m “next in line” for their next two “Scrap tanks” because I do intend to get a Maine Lobster and in the other tank: A Mantis Shrimp. 
You can visit their web site at: https://bigfishcaa.com
Jhunn@bigfishcaa.com would be your contact at Big Fish Custom Acrylic Aquariums 
1 (800) 123-1234
I got a 50 gallon acrylic tank for a very small amount of money and I’m setting it up as a proper habitat for land hermit crabs, coenobita. I’ll share some pictures of that soon, and also, when I start to set it up, the Lobster habitat and the Mantis Shrimp home. 

31 May, 2023 By admin
Great article on how to use salt in aquariums and ponds

One effective method to combat fish parasites is by using salt for freshwater treatments. In this article, we will discuss the dosage, types of salt, duration of treatment, and the parasites that can be effectively treated using this method.

Dosage and Types of Salt:

When using salt for aquarium treatment, the recommended dosage is 1 tablespoon per gallon* of water for freshwater tanks. You can use iodized salt, as aquarium salt. You can use rock-salt or kosher salt, as long as the label says 99% pure salt. A cow or deer ‘salt lick’ will work but NOT if it contains ‘Trace Minerals’. 

*ChatGPT gets this dead-wrong every time.

READ THE ARTICLE: 



16 May, 2023 By admin
A quick little note about Ned King, internet B0nus and 0pportunity Guy
I got on Ned King's mailing list about two months ago. And I found out that there's no way out of it. He's such a scum bag that he uses four different send-mailers, and a new email address for each one. Actually brilliantly: He uses spoofed email addresses and spoofed domain names he doesn't even own. So when I say brilliantly, I mean as brilliantly as a maggot that eats a dead toad from the inside out.
That guy, Ned King, if you ever wanted customer support, or a refund, or help, YOU AIN'T GETTING IT.
So, he's a flim-flammer and a charlatan.
Don't trust him. I should say it's unlikely you'll ever be called upon to do business with him, but if you do, remember the name: NED KING and never get on his mailing list. The first, BEST way to do that is NOT to do business with him.
He does have three “working” email addresses but just know this: If you send him an email – he will have your email address and you will enter the Spam Zone. He'll send his racist diatribes, porno links, and political conspiracy theories. Ugh. And I still get emails.
Here is what a Ned King blocking filter looks like and it works for most of his email:
== cut & paste ==
== cut & paste ==
Ned King's whoring out Sendmail.net and discrediting Systeme.io – people should be marking his site for Ned King Spam, Ned King Phishing and Ned King email bombs and since Ned King sends his monumental amount of spam, from these vendors including Campayn.com
The most bizarre thing of all: Ned King thinks Jesus Christ himself is endorsing and protecting what Ned King's doing. 'Thinks that Jesus Christ will SMITE anyone who crosses him. As if Jesus Christ was a smiter like Allah. Is.
12 May, 2023 By admin
PLANT AGGLUTININS
Dr Tepper once mentioned (probably 15 years ago) about Plant Agglutinins and they are perhaps the best natural flocculant in a pond or fish tank. 
Just sticky proteins from plants that settle germs, micropollution and even parasites out of the water. The “idea” for the plant is that all these things are “organic material” which, if delivered to the roots of the plant on the bottom of the aquatic limnion, can function as food / fertilizer.
Plant agglutinins are proteins found in the cell walls of aquatic plants that act as a defense mechanism against predators. They are composed of two or more sugar molecules linked together and can bind to the surface of protozoan predators, forming a sticky coating that prevents them from feeding on fish and plants. Plant agglutinins can also bind to other particles in the water, such as bacteria and algae, and can help to keep the water clean. In addition, they can act as a signal molecule, helping to attract beneficial organisms such as bacteria that can help to break down organic matter and provide nutrients for the plant. The accumulation of plant agglutinins and beneficial bacteria is called “bio-film” and can compose the majority of an aquatic-system's nitrogen handling. Plant agglutinins are important for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment, as they help to keep the water clean and provide food for the plant.
This could explain why I have found over the years that barring viruses and other “winter stresses” that well-built and well-maintained Ecosystem / equilibrium natural ponds are healthier and easier to fix fish in, than purist-ponds with pressurized filtration, UV lights and guages.