A flowerhorn on the cover of TFH? Love them or hate them, flowerhorns are extremely popular. These beautiful and expensive hybrid fish are nothing if not controversial. Although they are much more an Oriental phenomenon than a Western one (this specimen was photographed in an aquarium in the lobby of the Miracle Grande Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand), they have their proponents—and opponents—everywhere. The controversy surrounding these hybrid cichlids, as large and aggressive as they are ornamental and unusual, is discussed in Tom Lorenz’s article, “Flower Power.”

Feature Articles

A Caribbean Sea Biotope Aquarium

Author: Jeremy J. Gosnell

While many aquariums mix a variety of species coming from different oceans and ecosystems, a biotope aquarium is designed to replicate a specific slice of nature. A seasoned scuba diver and aquarist suggests various species for an aquarium that mirrors the beauty of the Caribbean.

Adjusting Water Conditions in the Nature Aquarium

Author: Takashi Amano

Water quality is of utmost importance for the vigorous growth of plants in the Nature Aquarium. The world-renowned aquascaper discusses the effect of pH and hardness in a high-tech planted layout, and how to control and balance these important parameters.

Flower Power: Are Flowerhorns Good for the Hobby?

Author: Tom Lorenz

Dismissed as “Frankenfish” by some and prized as good luck charms by others, one consistent theme surrounding flowerhorns in the aquarium hobby is controversy. A researcher explores some arguments for and against these peculiar-looking—and often astronomically priced—show fish.

Jellyfish: Ballerinas of the Sea

Author: Liu Pin-Hua

Far from your typical aquarium specimens, jellyfish delicately float as if suspended in zero gravity, captivating and relaxing viewers with their carefree, luminous movements. A jellyfish enthusiast describes the biology and care requirements for these incredibly delicate and awe-inspiring creatures.

Retailer Spotlight: The Hidden Reef in Levittown, Pennsylvania

Author: Rose and Tony Orso

Enter the Hidden Reef, an aquarist’s paradise featuring over 450 tanks of fish for sale and countless dry goods. Our roving reporters present the rich history of this massive store, and explain how it gained recognition and fame as one of the area’s premiere destination fish shops.

Setting up a Natural Planted Tank

Author: Diana Walstad

A back-to-basics approach utilizing natural processes instead of high-tech equipment stands in strong contrast to today’s technologically advanced planted aquarium hobby. An aquarist well versed in the natural method offers a step-by-step guide to creating a low-tech underwater aquascape.

The African Butterflyfish Pantodon buchholzi

Author: Ted Judy

Out of the African wilderness comes one oddball fish that will neither outgrow your tank nor kill everything in it. A veteran aquarist presents the obstacles to breeding the top-dwelling African butterflyfish, and shares the joy of keeping them.

Time for a Change: A Mathematical Investigation of Water Changes (Part 1)

Author: David E. Boruchowitz

Water changes are simple, right? Actually, the amount of water you change and its effect on your fish’s well-being is a bit more complex than often believed, as TFH’s Editor-in-Chief demonstrates with an exploration of the mathematics involved in this important aspect of aquarium maintenance.

Visit www.tfhmagazine.com for more details.