GALAXY RASBORAS

Galaxy Rasboras (Boraras maculatus), also known as Celestial Pearl Danios or CPDs, are a small and striking freshwater fish appreciated for their vibrant coloration and peaceful nature. They are a popular choice for nano tanks and community aquariums. Here’s a comprehensive care guide for Galaxy Rasboras:

Tank Size

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended, but a larger tank is preferable for better stability and more swimming space.
• Aquascape: Create a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas. Use live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne. Adding driftwood and small rocks can enhance the natural look and provide hiding spots.
• Substrate: A soft substrate like fine gravel or sand is suitable. This allows for easy maintenance and helps in keeping the tank clean.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Bright lighting can encourage algae growth, so aim for a balanced lighting setup that supports plant health without being too intense.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Galaxy Rasboras prefer water temperatures between 72-78°F (22-26°C). Use a reliable heater to maintain a stable temperature within this range.
• pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Stability in pH is important for their well-being.
• Hardness: They can adapt to various water hardness levels but prefer moderate hardness, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-8 dGH.
• Water Quality: Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes (20-30% weekly). Ensure ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0 ppm and keep nitrates below 20 ppm. Use a high-quality water conditioner to treat tap water before adding it to the tank.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a filtration system that provides both mechanical and biological filtration. Sponge filters or small canister filters work well in nano tanks and provide gentle filtration.
• Water Flow: Low to moderate water flow is ideal. Galaxy Rasboras prefer gentle currents, so adjust the filter output to create a soft flow.

Feeding

• Diet: Galaxy Rasboras are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods. Offer high-quality flakes or micro-pellets as their staple diet. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like daphnia, cyclops, and baby brine shrimp.
• Variety: Providing a varied diet ensures they receive all necessary nutrients and helps keep them healthy and vibrant.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day. Offer only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and maintain water quality.