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Hey it hasnt rained here to two whole days. Must be a drought! There could be a chance my webbed feet will disappear in time to wear sandals in Perth in a few weeks! :lol: Good luck with the tank sculpting by the way. We are just setting another tank up so looking forward to coming to Wellington tomorrow on a plant expedition.

I used to use a longish piece of air hose and a piece of straight wire a little less than the water depth. Wrap the airhose around the wire a few times to make it semi rigid. I made a little circle in the wire at the bottom and put the air hose through it. This makes it almost straight and easy to use. Then suck on the air hose and slowly move it across the bottom. Gets a lot of stuff up without a lot of water loss and easier to see where the babies are. I did put a little bit of old stocking over the end but found it just as easy without. I did suck up the occasional babies but I just scooped them out of the bucket and put them back in the tank. Good luck.

They are such a pretty fish. We have one too and its starting to stay out and about more now.

Hey dan If you need any replacement guppies let me know. We have hundreds and have not had any loses as stated (fingers crossed). I used to buy my water too but when we got too many tanks I went and bought a water filter and have never had any problems with the water quality since. Best of luck with your fish. Cat

Hi all Just going through some of the topics and found this. we use a spa pool filter with a special filter in it that removes some much down to a minute amount. We have tested the water before and after and the difference is amazing. We dont add anything else to the water apart from the occasional dose of salt.

Thanks for all those people that made it such a great weekend. We could all see the hard work that went into organising such an event and I guess a lot more work that we wouldnt see! Hubby was very pleased to get the trophy for the Best Catfish as this one fish is his 'baby'. :lol: For a guy that has only been into fish keeping for two years I am very proud of his effort and the work he puts into the fish. If we all work hard then we will get rewards ah? Once again congrats to all involved and the other winners.

Hi Dan .. I am not sure what our secretary is up to at the moment or if he has been on this website for awhile so if you PM your details I can send you a membership form. I am the Treasurer of the Palmerston North club. I work in Palmy everyday so we could meet and I could give you the details personally if you like. Just let me know. Would be great to have another fishy member.

Thanks Rob ... I found some info on planetcatfish and this fish we have called a Snowball is what they call a Baryancistrus (photos seem to match). Should I enter it as that or Hypancistrus? It also has the Angelicus as a Syndodontis Angelicus. Is that what I should enter it as or is there another specific name for that? Thanks for the info on the cold water stuff as well. I will put the entries in as soon as I have the correct details Warren. Really really want to get them entered correctly. Thans

Hey Warren ... we want to enter some of our fish but cannot find the correct name for them. One is an Angelicus cat and the other is a Snowball. I have asked around and no one can help us and neither of them are in any of the books I have. Can we enter cold water fish as well? I would like to bring up some Leopards (again dont know there technical name) and some WCMM - both of which will then go to the auction. There will also be two of us for the meal while I think of it. Thanks heaps. If anyone else has any suggestions then please feel free to comment. I am sick of searching stuff and still not being 100% sure. I dont want to enter them wrong and be disqualified after risking bringing them.

Hi there ... I doubt anyone would sell you one as they aren't exactly the most common of fish. Your LFS in Chch are the best place to start making enquiries. We looked into it while down there and may yet be tempted. Extremely helpful and great variety to choose from. Hubby is very hooked on exotic type catfish! Best of luck in your search for a bargain!

Hi Warren I want to enter but each time I click on the link it brings me back to this topic. Where do I find an actual entry form? Cheers

Thanks Warren Sort of answers my question. If I am not using undergravel filters would it still go stale? What else can be used then as I dont like the look of the gravel I have so was looking for something much finer. Cheers

Hi all I am wondering if I could use filter sand in my tank. This tank has got large Hoplos which tend to like uprotting everything I try to put in there. I am just a little worried about putting the sand in as these fish like sucking up the stones that are currently in the tank and spitting them out their gills (after a good roll around the mouth for any tasty bits). :lol: Could I put the stones back on top of the filter sand? Though I feel that they would end up getting pretty mixed up in the sand when I clean the gravel. I have an external filter with a UV sterilizer going continuously so I am not too worried about it packing down. I would rake through it to keep the top reasonably loose. I am not really concerned about plants either as I could happily leave the tank without anything apart from Java Fern tied to the logs that are in there. Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Or maybe any other suggestions as to what I could use. Thanks.

I got the pics through no problems. I do like these fish lot. They are so colourful. i had no luck with a pair I bought but they didnt like the tank too much. My fault for not checking first. Ignorance on my part and I wont make the same mistake again. poor fish! Best of luck with keeping them alive in a community tank. Maybe put a divider in the tank with them on one side and the other fish on the other side. I used this system once and it worked great. I didnt have too many fry go through the gaps and it didnt take long for them to grown up beyond eating size. Helps the other fish from getting hassled as well.

*****CONGRATULATIONS**** I know how wonderful I felt when my grand daughter arrived. Three years have flown by and she is still a joy to have around. Best thing that could have ever happened (especially to my daughter :lol: :lol: :lol: ) Justice I say. Nah ... honestly ... my life is much richer for having her in my life and I wouldnt miss a day of it even though people say I am old (I am only 41) being a granny!!!! Enjoy every day of being a Gran. We are the best things since sliced bread!!!!

I think Mouse needs to know how much salt to use etc ... tank is about 20 litres ... will have a sponge filter and heater only. There are no visible injuries on it .. just the little white tufts of fluff. I have never seen a black discus before! Poor thing. Hopefully by now Mouse has got the hospital tank up and the discus in it before it is too late. Best of luck Mouse.

If it wasnt so dear I would be using it in a tank. I wanted to setup a chichlid tank using it but when I saw the cost involved I decided against it. When you want to fill the back of the tank to the top with the stuff it worked out too dear. I would love to try that artifical one with the Poly but I am not that smart or patient! :lol: So far just sticking to the community type tanks.

Welcome aboard and to NZ. Not all wives needs convincing you know. :lol: I am one and had to convince hubby which was a piece of cake using the great charm I have available at my fingertips. :lol: :lol: Now he is into it more than me! Good luck with everything. See ya round.

I have heard that the older the fish get the less eggs they lay until 'old' age stops breeding. I wouldn't know for sure as none of mine are that old, but I would imagine at three years old they have probably spawned themselves out. I have a pair of Koi Marbles for sale if you want. These are a breeding pair (currently have a large hatch of eggs). We are getting out of breeding Angels so if you are interested let me know. They are just over 1 years of age.

Hi Warren I have got ours today in the mail and made me drool! :lol: Unfortunately it is outside our financial capabilities this year. I hope everyone that goes along has a great time. Maybe those of us staying behind should get together somewhere too? Not for a "meeting" as such but just a get together. Anyone interested?

Sorry to go off the track a bit but ... Dave ... when we were up at the Great Molly Hunt there was huge 'For Sale' signs all over it. Had something written on it along the lines of 'this can be drained and provides three building sites'. I hope like heck that they dont sell it and not just for the mollies either! Joining a club is the only way to go! Where else can you get heaps of free information and have fun at the same time. It is hard to attract people to clubs but then again that is a sign of the times I feel. People just dont have the time for belonging to anything anymore. I think that by joining a club they maybe feel that they will get 'roped into' something. Some people want to join but dont want to participate in anyway to help the club going. Then when things are organised no one turns up !!! A no win situation. Ah well ............... I am happy belonging to the Palmerston North club and even though only small we have a real laugh (usually at Andrew's expense) :lol: :lol: :lol: Sorry Andrew.

Hi I myself wouldnt use any of those fish to start cycling the tank. These fish can be costly so too much money to have the chance of losing. I would start of with things like the poor good old guppies or mollies etc then slowly add other fish in a few weeks time or even a month. I am not smart enough to tell you exactly what fish go with what but you seem to want a lot of fish that just dwell on the bottom. I am not a fan of red tailed sharks but others reckon they are great. I must of had a nasty one! Here's hoping that you get all the information you want and have a great tank in no time.

Hi Joze I would be interested in some of the wood. I can even bring you the equivilant amount in actual firewood! I have a shed full of pre cut dry wood so if you want I can swap you some. I am only looking for smallish pieces so would really be little more then kindling to you anyway. :lol: Cheers

Well my two cents for what it is .... I have read these posts (twice) and I must admit I cannot believe people are so negative. Aren't we all adults? Some of these comments are what I expect to hear in the school yard. We are all just fish enthusiasts that enjoy coming together and exchanging ideas, experiences and to learn more of a hobby that we all enjoy. All this anger only serves to keep people apart and slowly undermine clubs. Clubs find it hard enough to attract members. Imagine all the guests to this forum reading this and thinking "we dont want to be part of these so-called clubs if all they can do is bicker over meeting together". Clubs also find it hard enough to organise a one day event and get members to participate. I take my hat off to the people involved in trying to get this conference off the ground and be a success! The amount of time and effort involved would more than many of us would be prepared to give - and freely too! Seems everyone is so consumed with 'their time is money' nowadays that we forget that these people are doing all of us a favour and trying to orgainse a holiday that we can all enjoy. I think that just because we all havent received a personal letter etc is a poor excuse. I have only been around in the club for a little over a year and half and I heard about on numerous occasions from various people. The logistics (and cost) of sending out letters etc isnt required when it seems most people are aware of it. You only have to read these posts to see people knew of the planned trip away to somewhere. Unless you live a hermit life and dont attend any club meetings etc etc then I cannot see how people didnt know it was happening. All should have put a few dollars away each week and that way, regardless of where it was, you would of had quite a large proportion of the cost already saved. $15 per week would have been close to $1500 and there is the large majority of the costs paid for. That really isnt a lot weekly and yes I have lived on a benefit before so I know exactly what it is like to struggle. This is one nights worth of fish and chips or one packet of cigarettes etc. Not too hard to do and instead of buying a fish or two (or three or four ..... ) maybe that should have been put that aside instead. As far as not being able to go due to jobs, pets etc. We all have busy lives filled to the brim with responsibilities. I myself have a small 'zoo' which requires amazing organisation just to go away overnight but that would not stop me from a weeks holiday in a relaxing spot. What happens if any of you people have to go to a funeral or are sick? We all just get in and manage! I cant believe that none of you dont take a break at some time during the year and have friends, family etc step in and help out. Even teenage school kids can be a huge help and they are sometimes more dedicated that adult helpers. :lol: Well that is more than two cents worth I know. Come on people. We are just people that enjoy our hobby. If you all cant just go with the flow and enjoy a holiday away then there is no point going as you would only bring everyone else down by being unhappy. A holiday is a holiday!!!! Who cares where. As long as it is sunny, has warm water and nice beaches I couldnt think of anything nicer to have a break at. I am sure with so many of us people in the one spot there wouldn't be a dull moment or nothing to do. Besides arent we going to have a conference? Not be moaning cause this place has better diving or this place has better food etc. Maybe next time conference should be organised for Taihape (not knocking the place). Cheap and if you are into gumboot throwing then you would be in heaven. No one place is going to be the perfect place for everyone but lets just all go and enjoy being together and sharing information etc. I am sure that there would be something for everyone to do. Congrats again to all those involved in this venture. I am sure that the best deal has been worked out so we can all just go away and enjoy ourselves. These people that have organised this are doing this for OUR enjoyment not just their own. This is a group thing. Clubs should be behind it whether it is exactly what they had hoped for or not. Hopefully it turns out to be a success. Keep up the good work guys. Without your dedication there may not even be a FNZAS!

Congrats As they say ... Bigger is better :lol: