Introduction: Introducing the Driftwood Catfish, a captivating and enigmatic fish that will add a touch of mystery to your aquarium with its unique appearance and behavior. Also known as the Wood Catfish or Farlowella Catfish, this intriguing species is a popular choice among aquarists for its fascinating traits. Let’s dive into the captivating features and care guidelines of the Driftwood Catfish.
Scientific Name: Scientifically known as Farlowella acus, the Driftwood Catfish belongs to the Loricariidae family and is native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of South America.
Water Quality: Maintaining pristine water conditions is vital for the well-being of your Driftwood Catfish. Here are the key water parameters:
- Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72°F and 80°F (22°C to 27°C) for optimal comfort.
- pH Level: Maintain the pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 for slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
- GH Level: Aim for a general hardness (GH) of 4 to 10 dGH to provide essential minerals.
- KH Level: Keep the carbonate hardness (KH) between 2 and 10 dKH to ensure pH stability.
Feeding: Driftwood Catfish are primarily herbivores and rely on a diet rich in vegetable matter. Offer algae wafers, blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber, and supplement with sinking pellets or tablets to ensure a balanced diet.
Tank Mates: Driftwood Catfish are peaceful and prefer the company of their own kind. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, and peaceful cichlids.
Substrates and Tank Decorations: Provide a soft sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. Driftwood Catfish have a unique appearance that resembles pieces of driftwood, so adding real driftwood in the tank enhances their natural environment.
Suitable Plants: Driftwood Catfish are not strict plant eaters but may nibble on soft or decaying plant matter. Consider hardy plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Sword for added greenery.
Sexing: Sexing Driftwood Catfish can be challenging, as there are minimal external differences between males and females.
Breeding: Breeding Driftwood Catfish in a home aquarium is rare and challenging, as they require specific conditions and stimuli for successful reproduction.
Maximum Size and Longevity: As they mature, Driftwood Catfish can reach a maximum size of about 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live for up to 5 to 8 years, providing you with lasting companionship.
General Information: Driftwood Catfish have a unique appearance, with their flattened bodies and extended snouts, perfectly adapted for grazing algae from driftwood.
A Fun Fact: Driftwood Catfish possess excellent camouflage skills, which allow them to blend seamlessly with driftwood and other tank decorations, making them adept hiders.
Embrace the mystique and charm of the Driftwood Catfish. Their unique appearance, peaceful nature, and algae-eating habits will undoubtedly make them a captivating and cherished addition to your aquatic landscape!
Q: How much is postage cost?
A: All dry goods are $9.95 flat shipping, $13.95 for Plants express postage and live stock are $23 express postage flat. Handling time applies.
Q: Where do we ship ?
A: We ship Australia wide but Live stock are not shipped to WA,NT & Tasmania because of the state law.
Q: Where do we ship from ?
A: We ship from Sydney,
Q: When do we ship ?
A: All dry goods are shipped Monday - Friday. Live Goods are shipped Mon - Wed depending where you are.
Q: Can I Pick Up ?
A: We are not offering any pickup at this stage
Q: Can I return the item back?
A: All dry stock can be returned back. Live goods are not refundable. Shipping cost will be deducted upon return of the item and also customer is responsible to send the item back.
Q: Are pictures of actual item that I will receive ?
A: Most of our dry goods arrive looking 99% the same as pictured. Items sold by weight may vary in appearance. For live plants, fish, and snails, the photos are for reference only, as natural variations in size, color, and shape will occur.
Q: Are plants pest free ?
A: Our plants are kept in tanks with fish, so they may not be completely pest-free.
Q: Are moss pest free ?
A: Our moss are kept in tanks with fish, so they may not be completely pest-free.
Q: Are Tissue Culture plants pest free ?
A: Yes, They are.
We do ship dry goods.
Step 1: Prepare the necessary materials
Clean bucket or container large enough
Airline tubing
Air pump (optional but recommended)
Adjustable valve or knot (to regulate the flow of water) or get a abquatics drip kit
Clean, dechlorinated water (ideally matching the temperature and pH of your tank)
Step 2: Set up the drip acclimation system
Fill a clean bucket or container with the clean, dechlorinated water.
Attach one end of the airline tubing to an air pump (if using) and place the other end inside the bucket. Make sure it reaches the bottom of the container.
Step 3: Start the drip
Open the bag containing the aquatic animals and carefully pour the entire contents into the bucket, including the water from the transport bag.
Start a siphon by sucking on the free end of the airline tubing or use a siphon starter. This will initiate a slow drip of water into the bucket.
Step 4: Adjust the drip rate
Use an adjustable valve or tie a knot in the airline tubing to regulate the drip rate. Aim for approximately 2-4 drips per second.
The slow drip helps gradually mix the water in the bucket with the water from the transport bag, preventing any sudden changes in water parameters.
Step 5: Monitor the process
Keep an eye on the acclimation process and periodically test the water parameters in the bucket using a test kit. This helps ensure a smooth transition.
Depending on the sensitivity of the animals and the water parameters involved, the acclimation process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Step 6: Adjust water volume if needed
If the water volume in the bucket becomes too high, you can remove some water and continue the drip acclimation process with fresh, dechlorinated water. Be cautious not to remove too much water, as it can lead to sudden changes in water parameters.
Step 7: Transfer the animals to the tank
Once the acclimation process is complete, gently net the aquatic animals from the bucket and transfer them to the tank. Avoid adding the water from the acclimation container to the tank to prevent any potential contamination.
Step 8: Dispose of the acclimation water
After transferring the animals, discard the acclimation water from the bucket. Do not pour it directly into any drains or natural bodies of water.
By following these steps, you can safely and gradually acclimate your shrimp, snails, and fish to their new tank environment after transport. Remember, it's important to monitor the process closely and make adjustments as necessary to ensure a smooth transition for your aquatic pets.