Waiting customers watch tropical fish at CNB
It's doubtful that fish can be classified as pets since they can't be handled or played with. However, according to Kevin Fruechting, president of Central National Bank, the fish in the aquarium in the bank lobby provide entertainment for customers who are waiting to be served.
Fruechting also will tell you that fish need to be fed every day and cared for just like regular pets. It is his responsibility to clean the aquarium, about two times per month.
The tank has never been emptied of water since it was filled eight years ago, Fruechting said: "Fish are shocked if all new water is used."
Special suctioning equipment allows him to clean the rocks at the bottom of the tank without emptying it. The rocks are sucked into a tube which allows water and impurities to flow through but not the rocks. Ten gallons of water have to be replaced each time the tank is cleaned.
The 40-gallon aquarium was assembled in 1996 by Richard Genandt, then of Hillsboro. Genandt maintained the aquarium every month, but when he left the area in 1999, Fruechting took it upon himself to do the job.
"The goal of a successful aquarium is to create a self-sustaining environment," he explained. "It requires ample plants and lighting and water that is at the right temperature and has the right carbon dioxide level. Too low a level of carbon dioxide promotes algae growth."
The kinds of fish are important, too.
"They have to be compatible," Fruechting said. "Aggressive types can kill others. I learned this through experience."
The aquarium is home to about 16 fish of various varieties including Angel fish, Gouarami, Barbs, and Red-tail sharks. An odd-looking little black fish called a Plachastamos has a suction mouth and controls algae by removing it from surfaces.
Fruechting said 5-7 years is a good lifespan for a fish.
