Hobby

[small_ranchu]

What is your other hobby(ies) besides goldfish keeping? I like to groom Bonsai tree and I have Funkan Tea currently.

I also like playing guitar which I don't have a chance to do it now.

[Ichthius]

I grow bamboo, build filtration and recirculating systems, garden both landscape and vegetable garden, save seeds, african violets, bird watch, fly fish, grow live fish foods, natural history, learn and teach, collect aquarium literature and info on the history of our hobby.

[Jed]

Well, let's see... I love landscaping my yard, bowling (although I haven't done it in a while) and I love to sing in the shower. One more thing...I love to read!

[sweetshannon]

Oh, I would love to see some Bonsai pictures. Will you share? They are truly beautiful. I have read books, actually glanced over them, and it seems like a very skilled hobby.
I love antique teddy bears, especially Steiff.

[small_ranchu]

Oh, I would love to see some Bonsai pictures. Will you share?

Sure, it will the first thing to do when I get home. :)

[Ajno]

I love to golf. Am currently a 6 kup in TKD, have a test coming up on the 22nd, wish me luck. Otherwise I have 2 boys so that limits my hobbies....hehe

[small_ranchu]

Oh, I would love to see some Bonsai pictures. Will you share? They are truly beautiful. I have read books, actually glanced over them, and it seems like a very skilled hobby.
I love antique teddy bears, especially Steiff.

Here you go...

Fuken Tea at root over rock training
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/smallranchu/Bonsai/12122008/DSCN0092.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/smallranchu/Bonsai/12122008/DSCN0093.jpg

Ming tree at forest style
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/smallranchu/Bonsai/12122008/DSCN0096.jpg

[small_ranchu]

For some of your hobby...
:NeedPic:

Please post.. :)

[demdamdemekins]

African violets here too. Also slipper orchids. I also keep all sorts of fish, not just goldies.

[GoldfishAdmin]

Am currently a 6 kup in TKD, have a test coming up on the 22nd, wish me luck.

We pick the right mod... We are safe.. Good luck Ajno!!!

[small_ranchu]

I grow bamboo, build filtration and recirculating systems, garden both landscape and vegetable garden, save seeds, african violets, bird watch, fly fish, grow live fish foods, natural history, learn and teach, collect aquarium literature and info on the history of our hobby.
I have to learn a lot from you... :)

[small_ranchu]

Well, let's see... I love landscaping my yard, bowling (although I haven't done it in a while) and I love to sing in the shower. One more thing...I love to read!
Any pic of your yard?
:NeedPic:

[small_ranchu]

African violets here too. Also slipper orchids. I also keep all sorts of fish, not just goldies.

Again.. pic..pic pic.. :)

[Ajno]

Well, let's see... I love landscaping my yard, bowling (although I haven't done it in a while) and I love to sing in the shower. One more thing...I love to read!

I used to bowl every Thursday night. Stopped though to do TKD. I averaged 175. I miss BSing with the girls though. What do you read? I like to read.(sounds kinda dumb huh?)

David I'd love to see some of your circulation setups. Am tempted to take my 55 glass tank and turn it into a sump for my 125.

I am jealous of you green thumb people.

[Ajno]

Here you go...

Fuken Tea at root over rock training
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/smallranchu/Bonsai/12122008/DSCN0092.jpg

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/smallranchu/Bonsai/12122008/DSCN0093.jpg

Ming tree at forest style
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l68/smallranchu/Bonsai/12122008/DSCN0096.jpg


Absolutely fantastic! I wish I had your talent. I am limited to breaking pine with my body...hehe

[Ichthius]

David I'd love to see some of your circulation setups. Am tempted to take my 55 glass tank and turn it into a sump for my 125.

Here's a small project you could scale up or down.
http://goldfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=234#post234

[sweetshannon]

Those bonsai are so pretty. I like the ming tree, it is so full. It looks like a big forest tree in a tiny pot. I am in awe.....

[demdamdemekins]

Pics of some of my fish and plants.

[sweetshannon]

Pics of some of my fish and plants.


I love that flower. That is a violet, right? So pretty!

[demdamdemekins]

Yup, both of those flowers are african violets. Can't remember the cultivars exactly though...

[thomasn]

Hello,
one of my hobbies is growing orchids.

here are some orchids I have bloomed:


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/the_jive_turkey/dracpolyphemos2-8-05002.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/the_jive_turkey/Lepanthes/Lepanthes-telipogoniflora3.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/the_jive_turkey/stanhopea/stanhopea-wardii_20061012_016.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/the_jive_turkey/terresterial/diplodiumtruncatum.jpg

[small_ranchu]

So beautiful... :Man:

[demdamdemekins]

Wow Thomas. Do you have a greenhouse? Is that last one a masdevallia too?

[thomasn]

I wish I had a greenhouse but I keep my orchids indoors under lights.

the last one is Diplodium truncatum (formerly Pterostylis)

[demdamdemekins]

How do you control temps? I've got a couple cool growing paphs that I've been unable to coax flowers out of for years.

[Jed]

So beautiful! I want to know your secret of keeping them.

[thomasn]

How do you control temps? I've got a couple cool growing paphs that I've been unable to coax flowers out of for years.


Paph species or hybrids? which ones? You might not be doing anything wrong. Those cool growers like micranthum or armeniacum usually are very reluctant bloomers. I have heard growers say that micranthum might bloom every other year at best or even 5 years or longer.

Controling temps = COLD A/C HAHA! When I bloomed the Dracula polyphemos above, I lowered my A/C to 60F at night; day temperatures would be 78F and I did have a high electric bill. I used to grow some of them 2x4 shelves under fluorescent and 4x6 table under HID (400 MH and 600 HPS). I don't have all those lights setup anymore.

I got burned out on orchids and had downsized my collection a lot. That is when I started keeping goldfish. I don't have that Stanhopea above anymore. The Diplodium is a winter grower and I kept it outside in the winter; I don't have that one anymore either because of my poor care given during it's dormant period. I do have the Dracula polyphemos and the Lepanthes(but it's sick). I've streamlined my collection of orchids to just about 30 Dracula, 6 Masdevallia and a couple Lepanthes and some other Mini-catts and paph species.

I keep the pleurothallids in a small modified chest freezer that is about 24"x24". Temperatures are controlled with a day/night temperature controller (set at 78/52) and humidifier that goes off throughout the day to keep humidity at 90%+. I use AH supply's 65watt compact flourescent. I feed them weekly with "MSU Fertilizer". It's only been recently that I have figured out how to grow them in this way and keep viable roots without them drying out. I have been able to get some good spikes on the Draculas without blasting but not consistent blooming. I am growing the cool Masdevallias like ignea and vietchiana and theya re doing well so I'm pleased.

here is the chest freezer:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/the_jive_turkey/collection/IMG_4805.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m153/the_jive_turkey/collection/IMG_4809.jpg

[small_ranchu]

wow there is a big costing :money: behind those beauty.

[demdamdemekins]

I have a delantinii x vietnamense that I've never seen flower. It's been about 2 years since my insigne flowered (growing gangbusters though) and a couple complex hybrids that I've never seen bloom either. Went home to my parents house yesterday (where my collection is) and my spiceranium is in full bloom, and a primulum x fairreinium in spike with 3 buds. Pics after I get home from work :D

[demdamdemekins]

A few shots.

[thomasn]

Nice! I love spiceranium. delantinii x vietnamense should be easier to bloom than grow; maybe you're not feeding enough or not enough light or maybe it's simply not mature yet. I understand insigne likes to be in a big clump.

[jinyu_fan]

I love this thread! I am finding so many members have the same interest I have. I love to read and do cross-stitching, but have not done much recently since most of my time is taken up by my gardening and fish-keepig. I have a vegetable garden in the backyard and a flower garden in my postage stamp-sized front yard. I do so want to start bonzai and growing orchids. On trips to Singapore to visit my husband's family, I just get so jealous because orchids grow like weeds there!

[bigbettadan]

www.aslanrabbitry.com

Dan

[demdamdemekins]

this one just opened today

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d90/demdamdemekins/DSC02675.jpg

[small_ranchu]

very nice... :)

[SeaWitch]

My other main hobbies are writing, reading, cooking, and gardening...oh, and I LOVE Halloween! LOL! I am currently trying to write my first book (fiction). I love to decorate my house at Halloween-time. I collect houses and pieces from the Dept. 56 Halloween Village and I also love to ebay for outside Halloween decor. We just moved into our current house in Jan. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to it, so my gardening has been kind of limited this year. I do have a nice Mandevilla and some roses going. I am also growing some pumpkins plants.

I, too, am in AWE of some of the beautiful flowers and plants I have seen on this topic! There are some very talented people here!:exact:

[demdamdemekins]

Hi everyone. Long time no see! Figured I'd give this thread a bump with some of the stuff I've been getting into recently.

First off, a video of feeding time in my 90 gallon riverine goby setup.

HoatNXRhDLc



And finally, some mini terrariums, and a couple of my fish tanks.

[small_ranchu]

wow, you have a green thumb.

[Romewhip]

http://www.romekennel.com

Besides the goldies I have a tank of saltwater fish, and a few soft corals, and my main hobby is performance events and dog shows with my dogs. I haven't bred a litter in many years, I'm having more fun taking the dogs to events. When we're not on the road they are all really good at holding down the couch!

[Hondataeg6]

Here's pictures of my other hobby:

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll92/hondataeg6/My%20Chameleons/56661fc3.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll92/hondataeg6/My%20Chameleons/9715a5bb.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll92/hondataeg6/My%20Chameleons/860f895f.jpg

[runningwater]

I do Amateur Road Racing
73 Pantera

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd278/jeffsmachine/PANTERA/Mar-14-2010-NasaHPDE1-21145amCP3-1-1-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd278/jeffsmachine/PANTERA/CP2_3880-2.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd278/jeffsmachine/PANTERA/IMG_0878-1.jpg

[nygold]

Nice race car looks like fun.
My other hobby is the boating / fishing thing.
I've been through a bunch of boats this is the latest.
It's more of a family boat rather than a hard core fishing vessel now that I
have a bride and 2 young boys eveyone enjoys it.
My bride likes the toilet the best.
Here she is my 28' hobby "The Red Barron".

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/blueclaw92/boat.jpg

[runningwater]

Nice boat !:thumbUp:
Boats and race cars have something in common :money:

I especially like the dual PVC exhaust :D

[nygold]

Nice boat !:thumbUp:
Boats and race cars have something in common :money:

I especially like the dual PVC exhaust :D


You can say that again my engine is a 502 and it LOVES gas.

[runningwater]

You can say that again my engine is a 502 and it LOVES gas.
Tell Me about it!
Im running 110 octane.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd278/jeffsmachine/21604Sax2-1.jpg

[demdamdemekins]

wow, you have a green thumb.

Thanks Fred! How are the goldfish doing?



Wow, there are some majorly expensive hobbies on this board!

[small_ranchu]

Thanks Fred! How are the goldfish doing?


I am still learning my goldfish. They are still showing me their trick..>:)

[Cincy Ranchu]

My biggest hobby is goldfish, rainbows, plecs and koi. Next is fishing of any kind, I especially like deep sea, surf, small mouths and crappies. Next I have 5 bee hives and then gardening of any type.I have a real passion for vegeatable gardens but gave them up due to travel I recently have been fiddling with orchids, but I am really just a newbie in this area.
Did yoy know bees look like Ranchu,LOL

[nygold]

Gary ya do any ice fishing in Ohio?

[waterfaller1]

Love the bonsai and orchids in this thread. I stink at bonsai, except a few easy ones, and my orchids refuse to bloom. So I decided to try unusual succulents. They are easy. I also keep exotic birds.
A little planter I made from oak bark
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/32211plant3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/32211plant2.jpg
My attempt at a container pond
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/pond42609d.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/pond42609c.jpg

[waterfaller1]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/52109a.jpg
It got too hot so I turned it into a garden
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/flowerbarrel001.jpg
Air plants
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/airplantsb.jpg
Jade
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/6442.jpg

[waterfaller1]

Birds
Holly-Red fronted macaw
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/MBSSstuff007.jpg
Cochise-hawkheaded parrot
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/cochisetoyb.jpg
Gryphon-blue naped mousebird
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/gryphonthekneea.jpg
Kismet-American singer canary
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/kismet101610.jpg

[waterfaller1]

Mr jeepers-red legged honeycreeper
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/birds62610020.jpg
Jada-female red legged honeycreeper
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/birds62610038.jpg
Another couple shots of Gryphon, a most unusual bird
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/gryph32710c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/waterfaller1/71810012.jpg

[small_ranchu]

wow.. beautiful birds...

[waterfaller1]

Thank you:)

[Virginia ranchu]

Some very uncommon species too. What part of Florida do you live in?

[nygold]

WOW the birds are great.
How hard is it to get exotic (non-petstore variety) birds?
I've always wanted a tucan did you ever have one?
The honeycreeper is just outstanding.

[runningwater]

wow.. beautiful birds...

Ditto .

[waterfaller1]

Some very uncommon species too. What part of Florida do you live in?
Central florida.:)
WOW the birds are great.
How hard is it to get exotic (non-petstore variety) birds?
I've always wanted a tucan did you ever have one?
The honeycreeper is just outstanding.
Thank you. No toucans, they are extremely expensive and need to live in an aviary, not a cage.They hop, and need a huge place to do it. They also projectile their poop. Not something you want in your living room. They are very expensive to keep also. Needing LOTS of fresh fruit each day, so not a bird to keep if you work out of your home. My birds do get out in their room though, and are all full flighted. I have been all over this great state for my birds. The mousebirds are bred in FT. Lauderdale by a woman who has become a great friend. Happily, the honeycreepers are no longer being imported. Best to leave them free where they belong. But I provide them with the biggest enclosure I can, and feed them what they should eat, which is not normal fare. The Hawkheaded Parrot was a rescue mission of sorts. I got him at a very reasonable price. He was mistreated, in poor shape, and very frightened and bit very hard when he came to my family. He is now a happy, well adjusted, healthy parrot. Redfronted macaws are not your normal every day macaw, and they are on the endangered species list. I got Holly from an unscrupulous breeder who sells unweaned birds. I did make a wonderful friend in the course of having her ,who does breed them, and was a great help to me in my raising her. She is my bratty redhead.:D The canary was found in my backyard by my dog, when it was less than 40 degrees F outside. :( Luckily we found him, and he is a wonderful part of our flock. He serenades us every day with his beautiful song.
Finding birds in FL is easy, at very reasonable prices. BUT, there are also lots of diseases, and things to look out for.


Ditto . Thank you. :)

[nygold]

Thanks for the info on the toucans.
I used to spend alot of time bird watching / photographing but I haven't
done it in a while. We have a place in upstate NY and I do some birding up there, last year I saw my first indigo bunting. The best part was that I got to show the kids.
When I was young a woman that lived down the block from me was a licensed rehabilitator for birds. She had hawks, owls and just about everything else that flys around here. If I was in my yard sometimes a bird would land on or next to me when that happened I knew it was one from down the block. She was an amazing woman.
Thanks again for sharing your beautiful bird pictures.

[Cincy Ranchu]

Gary ya do any ice fishing in Ohio?

In southern Ohio, Ice fishing generally is a non event because the ice often doesn't get thick enough or long enough

[nygold]

I got ya, I thought you guys were cold enough.
Here is a shot from a trip I took to a lake upstate NY 2 months ago.
Try not to make fun of my hat.
Believe me you'll put anything on your head when it's that cold here's the proof.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/blueclaw92/IceFishing2011068.jpg

[Cincy Ranchu]

I will have to get some hobby shots up, I like that kind of hat, last time I went in the open Ice fishing was in Milwaukee, too cold for me, I prefer bourbon and a fireplace..Spotted bass?

[waterfaller1]

The woman does sound like an amazing person. Thanks for the compliments. I like the hat too. I spent a winter working outside in Fargo N.D. once. To me they do not make anything to protect you from the cold there. Brrr..no thanks, I will stick to Fl sunshine.B-)

[nygold]

I will have to get some hobby shots up, I like that kind of hat, last time I went in the open Ice fishing was in Milwaukee, too cold for me, I prefer bourbon and a fireplace..Spotted bass?

I'm pretty sure it's just a young large mouth.

[nygold]

Hey Waterfaller I almost forgot these guys just a couple of
young (I think) male parakeets.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/blueclaw92/190261_1879442906957_1267801412_2153407_4377828_n. jpg

[bigbettadan]

I have always like show budgies... But they have much bigger heads than your typical parakeet.

Dan

[waterfaller1]

Hey Waterfaller I almost forgot these guys just a couple of
young (I think) male parakeets.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj243/blueclaw92/190261_1879442906957_1267801412_2153407_4377828_n. jpgThey are very cute together. :)

[opera]

Apart from my TVR, this is my other hobby:)

http://www.babypicturesphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/happy_baby_picture1.jpg

[waterfaller1]

Aww..is she yours, or you take pics? She is adorable and so smiley. :)Have you seen the photos from the mom that photographs all kinds of fantasy stuff, using ordinary household items while her baby sleeps? It's very cool.

[nygold]

Apart from my TVR, this is my other hobby:)

http://www.babypicturesphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/happy_baby_picture1.jpg

Very nice work.

[fastrails]

Some of my buddies whom are Ferrari owners went to this event over the weekend. Was suspose to go but couldn't find a baby sitter. Enjoy!

http://photos.linquist.net/2011/2011-05-01-Ferrari-Challenge/16863113_qJsm28#1273633241_mZDxqxW

[TheTruth]

Very nice work.
i build detailed toy train layouts in o scale for christmas

[nygold]

i build detailed toy train layouts in o scale for christmas

Got any pics?

[TheTruth]

Got any pics?
i have many,should i put them on this site?

[nygold]

i have many,should i put them on this site?

You don't have to go nuts put up 2 or 3.

[TheTruth]

You don't have to go nuts put up 2 or 3.

im already nuts but i will send 2 or 3

[small_ranchu]

i have many,should i put them on this site?

John,
You are welcomed to put them here. We don't have space issue. Make sure you sign them >:)

[joe]

have not heard you post in awhile, glad you are doing well.

[Ranchufan16]

aside from goldfish and orchids I also keep bettas, only a few for now, good ones are hard to come by but here are my fav two
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac325/Ranchufan16/DSC_01762.jpg
ticking each other off....
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac325/Ranchufan16/DSC_01732.jpg
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac325/Ranchufan16/DSC_01692.jpg

[waterfaller1]

aside from goldfish and orchids I also keep bettas, only a few for now, good ones are hard to come by but here are my fav two
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac325/Ranchufan16/DSC_01762.jpg
ticking each other off....
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac325/Ranchufan16/DSC_01732.jpg
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac325/Ranchufan16/DSC_01692.jpgThey are beautiful! However, it's none of my business, but it hurts me to see them in small bowls. I hope you might consider giving them at least 5 gallons each.I keep bettas as well, a platinum pair imported from Thailand. My male is in a chi, and female is in a bookshelf tank. Both tanks were fairly inexpensive and are very easy to maintain. It is such a joy to see them swim and have a place to hide, eat, sleep, swim...vs. sitting at the bottom of a bowl. I hope you are in no way offended by my thoughts, as they are ultimately just how I feel.

[Ranchufan16]

They are beautiful! However, it's none of my business, but it hurts me to see them in small bowls. I hope you might consider giving them at least 5 gallons each.I keep bettas as well, a platinum pair imported from Thailand. My male is in a chi, and female is in a bookshelf tank. Both tanks were fairly inexpensive and are very easy to maintain. It is such a joy to see them swim and have a place to hide, eat, sleep, swim...vs. sitting at the bottom of a bowl. I hope you are in no way offended by my thoughts, as they are ultimately just how I feel.

this is their "cleaning time" holding bowls. Thought I would snap off a few shots while they were in smaller quarters. Each have a 1 gallon tank. I have found that with more space they swim less.

[waterfaller1]

That is good. Glad they don't have to stay in tiny bowls.

[bigbettadan]

Trust me, I am a IBC grand Champion and Judge, and the size of the container is IRRELEVENT to the health of the betta, its the WATER QUALITY. The smaller the container, the more frequent the water changes need to be, especially with daily feedings. And even a large container is inferior( 2 gallons or larger) to a half gallon container with 100% water changes every 48 hours. Bettas can last a long time in a tiny amount of water, if they have been fasted before going into that situation. Thats why bettas ship so well. Anyway, just wanted to correct misinformation floated around about bettas sometimes.

Dan

[Ranchufan16]

Trust me, I am a IBC grand Champion and Judge, and the size of the container is IRRELEVENT to the health of the betta, its the WATER QUALITY. The smaller the container, the more frequent the water changes need to be, especially with daily feedings. And even a large container is inferior( 2 gallons or larger) to a half gallon container with 100% water changes every 48 hours. Bettas can last a long time in a tiny amount of water, if they have been fasted before going into that situation. Thats why bettas ship so well. Anyway, just wanted to correct misinformation floated around about bettas sometimes.

Dan

exactly what I think considering in wild bettas live in very shallow bettas. I only go 24 hours clean em out every day, would you say this is too much Dan?

[waterfaller1]

We are each entitled to our own opinion on how we want to keep our pets. I don't crate my dog, put my birds in small cages, clip their wings, or keep bettas in bowls.
To each their own.>:D<

[bigbettadan]

No thing as too much water changes, you are fine...

You are right to each their own, but I want to make sure people know their is nothing inhumane or unheatlthy about keeping bettas is small quarters. In fact, I have tried many methods, but I by far produced my best fish when I did jars/manual 100% water changes. Of course that is why producing bettas is so time consuming....

Dan

[Ranchufan16]

No thing as too much water changes, you are fine...

You are right to each their own, but I want to make sure people know their is nothing inhumane or unheatlthy about keeping bettas is small quarters. In fact, I have tried many methods, but I by far produced my best fish when I did jars/manual 100% water changes. Of course that is why producing bettas is so time consuming....

Dan

ok good, I might actually go to the smaller quarters just due to space limitations...while they are in those bowls I think they actually are more active than when in their larger "homes". I have found in past keepings that they actually grew a bit better in the smaller ones to, maybe I'm crazy I don't know...we'll see. Thanks dan!

[bigbettadan]

Temp and water quality deterimine their activity level moreso than tank size. Most betta breeders would agree with your conclusion. Thats why they are the perfect "apartment" fish. You can maintain a nice breeding program is a small space, like a few racks. But they are alot of work. When I was actively showing, I was changing about 50 jars a day on a rotation.

Dan