Hobbyists' Gallery

We enjoy our tanks but what do other people think of them? Are our tanks an appropriate environment for their inhabitants? MCH rates the tanks submitted to the Hobbyists' Gallery according to a variety of criteria. The aim is twofold. Firstly, to create a pictorial reference guide for all hobbyists. Secondly, to give contributors a considered, impartial opinion about their tanks and  suggest improvements where appropriate. The criteria are the same for all entries; the maximum possible rating is 100.

To submit your tank you need to send us two or three good quality photos and some information about it. We need to know the size of the tank, the water parameters (at least pH, KH, GH and temperature), the size and frequency of water changes, the filtration and lighting data and the age of the tank (i.e. how long it has been running in its current form). Please also send us a list of inhabitants, aquascape information and a brief note to clarify things which may not visible in the photo you submit.

There are some rules to be followed – please take a moment to read them:

You may submit any kind of tank you wish with two provisos. Firstly, the aquascaping should be appropriate for the fish; tanks with fluorescent gravel, plastic decoration items, flashing lights, bare glass bottom etc will not be considered. Secondly, the fish should be unadulterated representatives of a naturally occuring species. All fish and plants present in the tank should be listed by their scientific names. The number and size of the fish or other tank inhabitants should be clearly stated.  MCH may consult an independent expert in order to conclude if the particular set up, water parameters and fish composition is correct or not. The name of the expert will not be disclosed.

MCH will examine your submission carefully; you may be contacted to submit further information or offer clarifications. A special report will be prepared for your tank, in which several parameters will be evaluated (the same for all tanks)  and an overall score will be generated. The overall score, along will  the comments, will be presented under the photos of your tank and will be accessible by all MCH visitors. Naturally the comments may include both commendations (for positive features) and  recommendations (for features that should be improved).

The MCH verdict will be final and not negotiable. Tanks may be re-submitted for evaluation only if changes have been made following the previous evaluation.

When submitting photos of your tanks please opt for the highest possible definition. Submissions must be in JPEG or JPG format. Though there is no size limitation we feel that 500 KB is a reasonable maximum size. The full size photos will be used for the evaluation. For publication, the photos may be  resized to fit our pages and allow for an acceptable download time.

Finally, when sending your submission, please include your full name, e-mail address and your website address (if applicable). All submissions should be sent to the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   clearly marked as Hobbyists' Gallery.

Photos by George J. Reclos; compilation by Marina Parha.