Weekly Photo Challenge • February

Maintaining a healthy freshwater aquarium is a commitment, but it’s something I love to do. Keeping a balanced tank requires a whole eco-system of helpful bacteria, plants, sufficient lighting, heating, aeration, filtration and of course fish! I’ve had these Red Jewel cichlids for years. This one is a second generation that I raised from little teeny tiny fry. Just like an outdoor garden, adding plants to the aquarium naturalizes the tank while making it look beautiful and green. I added these Amazon Swords to the tank today. Mimicking the conditions they encounter out in the wild really helps fish thrive. My fish enjoy lots of rocks and picking out a personal territory. This species also loves Texas Holey Rock. It is made of decalcified limestone and assists with sustaining a pH they enjoy. I’ve also added a small army of mystery snails to keep algae at bay. It’s so relaxing to watch them slowly maneuver their way across the tank. Perhaps you’ve seen my video I posted today of the tank MVP named White Shadow working his way up the glass. I have just as much fun taking care of my underwater garden as I do my outdoor gardens. Picking out a new Marimo moss ball makes me way more excited than I probably should be. Observing the fish gliding through the water and exploring makes me so happy. It certainly is a rewarding hobby!

The snow has finally melted here in Massachusetts and everyone is enjoying it! We had a few days that almost reached 70° The chickens are on the move, enjoying the open snack bar in the mud. What’s the weather like where you live??