Keeping Track …
At one time of another, all of us have “forgotten” what is located where.
When the number of species in our fishrooms rise above a critical level, remembering everything can become a major headache, and having the correct species names and collection sites for all the fish we keep is important.
But how to keep track of it all?
Keep a Master List
Keeping a master list provides you with a single resource for information about the fish you have.List incoming stock by species, using the full species information: family name, species name, collection site, and any other pertinent information (color, variety, etc.) Add the date of acquisition, and also log in the source where you acquired the fish, the breeder, and the price, if you like.
Mark Your Tanks
If you have numerous species, or several varieties of the same species, this can be a lifesaver, helping to prevent inadvertent crossing of lines or hybridizing. There are several ways to mark tanks. Peel off labels, either plastic, from a labelmaker, or peel off paper, typewritten or handwritten, are unobtrusive and clearly read. Just stick them on the tank, and move as required.
Alternatively, you can use a “Sharpie” or a similar marker and write the information directly on the tank. This is especially useful on plastic tanks. But be sure to test the marker first, and make certain that the ink is removable. Some marker solvents will quickly damage acrylic. The “Sharpie” can be removed from plastic with rubbing alcohol, but will “set” over time. For old marks, remove with “goop’ hand-cleaning compound, wash, then wipe with alcohol. Instead of marking directly on the tank, you might want to make a removable “clip” of plastic that hangs on the rim of the tank. The information can then be written on this, and the marker moved as required.
Mark Your Plastic Bags
Ball-point pen works well here, writing on stick-on labels. Be careful using marking pens directly on the plastic, however, since the many of the solvents will permeate the plastic, possibly damaging the eggs or fish contained inside the bag.
Keep a File of Your Eggs in Storage
A simple list may work effectively, but for larger numbers of eggs in storage, other methods may be required. Whether you choose to store your eggs in boxes on the top shelf of your fishroom, or in a dark closet, being able to find the eggs you want when hatching time comes is important. One possibility is to make a 3×5 card for each bag of eggs, then file the card by the month in which hatching is due. Or divide a cardboard box into sections, with the eggs sorted by month of hatch. A third idea is to hang the bags from a wire by clothespins or photo clips, sorted by month.
— G.C.K.A. Newsletter – December 1996