CARLYLE - Many local Carlyle residents know Perry Dunn owns and operates Dunn Transport with his cousin Clint. Many do not know that Perry’s primary hobby is fish keeping.
It all began four years ago when Perry Dunn and his wife Carole-Lyne gifted their son Blaze a beta fighting fish by the name of Rex and a small aquarium. Rex passed away just over one year later and a replacement beta, which they called Rex2, was purchased only to die after a few days. The cause of death was determined to be poor water quality.
Dunn started compiling information about fish, aquariums, water content and the like. He purchased another larger aquarium and then began adding different varieties to his collection. His interest grew exponentially, along with everything else.
The COVID-19 pandemic began in March of 2020, coincidentally at the same time Dunn started to take a keen interest in the hobby. Every trip to Prairie Aquatics and Exotics in Regina resulted in acquiring more fish and more fish accessories. The Dunns now own 12 aquariums, in sizes ranging from 10-125 gallons. One has even been custom built.
He estimates that they have well over 500 fish in their tanks, consisting of over 25 species. They have angelfish and many other types of cichlids, puffers, shrimp, tetras, bristle-nose plecos, tiger barbs, catfish, snails and Siamese algae eaters. Each aquarium is equipped with its own filter system and live aquatic plants.
All the Dunn aquariums are fresh water and they use Town of Carlyle tap water. This water is rather acidic and all their aquariums require an adjustment to more salt or alkali content.
Carole-Lyne Dunn plays the role of family chemist. “Every Wednesday, the water in every aquarium is tested for PH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Water content is by far the most important part of owning a thriving aquarium ecosystem. We change approximately 30 to 50 per cent of the water in each tank every month and clean them on a regular basis,” she said.
Feeding the fish every night is costly and the Dunns often prepare and feed their food. In addition to many dried and frozen foods, they also cube their own kale, spinach and garlic. Other foods include frozen shrimp, bloodworms and krill.
Perry Dunn was very modest in evaluating his talents in becoming an experienced fish keeper.
“At first it was overwhelming, but after talking to my expert retailing friends in Regina, watching hundreds of You Tube videos, and reading and reading, I’m learning and frankly I take great pride in my fish. I highly recommend this as hobby,” he said.
The Dunns are becoming astute fish keepers and are raising many more species that are disease free due to their diligence. They have been also turning their attention to breeding and have seen growing fish family successes. All their aquariums are clean, well-kept and home to interesting species of fish together with beautiful live plants and décor.
“The ultimate aquarium regulates itself and is self-sustaining. Eventually it will have its own eco-system and require minimal maintenance. I am not there yet but will be some day,” he concluded. “I like the hobby and find it extremely relaxing. It is simply a great pastime.”
