the end of the Cichlidarium

[Willem Heijns]

A terrible thing happened to me yesterday. Two years after the explosion of one of my 600g tanks the replacement I had put in also blew apart. Six fish died in the blast (Tomocichla tuba (3), Petenia splendida (1), Astatheros robertsoni (1) and Astatheros rostratus (1)). Here's a pic:



I don't want to sound too dramatic, but I feel I have escaped death two times now. My grandchildren who love to "feed grandpa's fish" have also run this risk. And I don't want that anymore. Therefore I have decided to quit cichlidkeeping. I have sold all my surviving fish and I am tearing the Cichlidarium down right this minute.

So I guess, no more entries in this blog. It is sad, really....

[Lee Nuttall]

What terrible news willem. Thank god no one was in the Cichlidarium when the tank exploded. Are you completely giving up for good, no down grade to a smaller size aquarium?

[Philippe Burnel]

Therefore I have decided to quit cichlidkeeping.

That's quite bad news for all of us ; but, as I'm also a grand father, I understand the problem.
I'm sure, anyway, that you 'll still give us advice about cichlid keeping.
Your experience is great.
There will be better days for you and you'll always be a master for central american cichlids so your help help will always be great for each of us.
If this can help you in this sad day.

Philippe

[Klaus Steinhaus]

Willem, that surely is sad news. However, I do understand your motives.
Please promise not to become a stranger. Too many of us enjoy your presentations and value your help.

[dogofwar]

So sad to hear, Willem!

Matt

[Mark Smith]

Sorry to hear that Willem, but completely understandable. We are thankful that nobody was injured.

Please try not to deprive us of your valued insights in the coming months and years...

[Florent]

Sorry about what's happened.
For the reasons cited by Wihlem when we build large tanks, we should think to acrylic and safety glass as they are used in public aquariums. It's a bit more expensive and difficult to use as hobbyist but much safer.

[Bas Pels]

Quite a long time ago I was in the cichlidarium. As I understand it, the tanks are hanging in a frame, which is made up op 2 'feet' to stand on.

I got a 4 meter tank, which was build by the same builder who repared Willems tank. This tank is now standing for over 7 years - on a traditional way

I don't think this tank is dangerous. Personally i think metal - which is not as rigid as glass is - might be the cause, not the builder.

[seanwelsh1]

This is a great shame , but dont let your vast knowledge go to waste . It will however give you more time to produce your excellent DVD's

[Willem Heijns]

It is now one week past the crash. I would like to thank all people who have responded here and elsewhere for their support and understanding. Some of you seem to think that I will be quitting the scene altogether. Sensing this I came to realize that my involvement in this great hobby is much more than just keeping cichlids. Here's a list:

1. reading and learning about cichlids
2. writing and publishing articles about cichlids
3. participating in discussions on this and other fora about cichlids
4. making and editing of video's about cichlids
5. producing DVD's about cichlids
6. giving talks about cichlids
7. running a club of cichlid-keepers in the Netherlands (the NVC).

Keeping cichlids is/was only a small part of my hobby experience (if measured in time spent). And as far as the "outside world" is concerned only #2 to #7 ever reach the public. And those will not really change.

To be specific:

@Lee: never say never, but I don't want to think about it now.
@Philippe: thank you for your support and the compliment; it certainly helps.
@Klaus: I will never be a stranger to you my friend.
@Matt: thanks for your compassion.
@Mark: not to worry, you'll hear from me for years and years and years.....
@Florent: I am past the need for technical advice. Sorry.
@Bas: Saying that your tank is now standing for 7 years doesn't help at all; spare me this type of response.
@Sean: you might be right. Anything in particular you'd like to see on DVD?

[Bernard GBX]

Hello Willem
I haven't understood the end of Cichlidarium at the AFC Paris conference.
Now I see.
I understand your decision to close your Cichlidarium (I only see one tank explosion and if someboby was in front...) and will be happy to see one of your next DVD or to discuss with you about central america in this forum.
I hope that you get better.

[Bas Pels]

@Bas: Saying that your tank is now standing for 7 years doesn't help at all; spare me this type of response.

I was not trying to help you, I just wanted to point out that when a tank is placed on a construction which has not been tested extensively, and than it bursts, the builder of the tank might not be the one to blame

The construction might been flawed, or misdesigned.

You blamed the builder of the tank, whitout good arguments. That is what I responded on.

[Willem Heijns]

Bas,

In your first post you already showed that you have no idea of what this topic is about. And now you made it clear that you haven't even read it. You accuse me of blaming the builder without good arguments. Nowhere in this topic did I put any blame on anybody. You just made that up or are acting on hearsy. I resent that.

So again, spare us this type of response.

[seanwelsh1]

@Sean: you might be right. Anything in particular you'd like to see on DVD?

Maybe some of the river systems in Panama or Guatemala

[chc]

Sorry to hear about this situation. The largest tank I've ever had blow is a 1 meter tank. Even that was a disaster. As a result, I have a strong preference for acrylic (especially for the large tanks).

I know exactly how you feel. After the mess of my "mini" blowout I was just about done with the hobby -- such a mess for so little a reward. Add to that the damage they can cause to your home (and yourself if you're in the way!) and the whole thing was just exasperating.

.............but I eventually got sucked back in! Now, though, my big tank is outdoors where it can't harm a thing should something bad happen.


Willem, I'll still be looking forward to your articles, DVD's, and any other contributions you continue to make to the hobby!

[Don Danko]

Hello Willem,

Truly very, very sad news and fully understand your concerns. I remember sitting in from of your old large tank in Aalsmeer watching the spawning of the tuba you then had. Hope you get back in the saddle someday.

Marilyn and I have moved to a downsized home with a smaller, automated fishroom. Hope to have you visit sometime!

Best regards,
Don

[Willem Heijns]

Thanks Don. But that is only half the story. I remember us trying to save the eggs. I got the rock from the tank, rushed up the stairs and put it in a small tank in a room upstairs for safe hatching. And they did. Eventually you went home with a small bag of wrigglers which you managed to raise.

I might be over for the Extravaganza sometime soon....

[smitty]

I am glad to hear that you have come to understand your true worth to many of us. I am also looking forward to a change of thought and that you will brush is off and set up a new tank. I realized along time ago not just your love but the passion you have in fish keeping, studying and so on. Hopefully given time you will reconsider.

[unblinded]

While I was reading "Enjoying Cichlids" for the first time I came accross the Cichlidarium. I remembered seeing it in this forum & it's sad to know it is no more. What an awesome tank, truly inspiring. I enjoyed your input in "Enjoying Cichlids", I've kept tanks off & on since I was 7 (28 years) and I learned a lot of things I didn't realize & some things I have probably forgotten from that book. Many thanks!

Jason

[gnuisance]

I have admired your work ever since I got into cichlids. Sorry to hear about this setback