Adrienne

congrats - what are you going to do now?

You didn't make me angry and everyone is entitled to their own opinions - if we didn't have our own opinions a forum would be a very very boring place. Did you sit NCEA or are you not in that age group?

sounds like you have a reasonable grasp on looking after your aquarium Discus prefer lower pH levels but with any fish it is better to have the pH remain stable and they will adapt than to have it fluctuating and be using pH up and pH down. The fluctuations are a lot harder on them than the pH level being slightly out of their comfort range. This doesn't affect them too much and unless you are trying to breed them it is not anything to worry about. A good idea to check the ammonia levels occasionally before water changes. It just gives you an indication that all is well with your tank.

Thanks Sam. Some of us are interested in how you guys and girls got on with your exams

You will most probably find that your tank is not going to be big enough for the number of discus you will require to keep the peace in your tank unless you look at getting a proven pair which can be expensive. The discus will eat the fry from swordtails and guppies the moment they pop out. What sort of filtration do you have on your tank? Where are you located - you can add it by clicking on the user control panel at the top right hand of this page

what?

Hi, what sized tank? They are not that hard to keep when they are mature - for someone starting off its better to pay more and get decent sized discus, a minimum of 8cm which should cost in the vicinity of $80 each, rather than get smaller ones which need daily large water changes and are more prone to disease and sickness (well thats my opinion anyway). It also depends on whether its a bare bottom tank or a planted tank. You really need a minimum of 50 litres water per mature discus and at least 4 discus or a breeding pair. Discus are peaceful fish and hang in the mid - upper levels of the tank so as long as you don't put them in with fish that zip around creating havoc you should be okay. Best tank mates imo are cardinals, harlequins, neons (that sort of fish). I also have bn, sterbai corys and rams in with mine. The other thing to consider with tank mates are the tank temperatures which should be around 28-30 degrees for discus as some fish can't handle this temperature. I find with the neons and harlequins that their life span is somewhat reduced due to the higher temperature which speeds up their metabolism.

:roll: My daughter got 126 Level 2 credits - not bad seeing as she had an 'attitude' all year until 3 weeks before the finals (that was when she decided to work having pretty much failed over 50% of her mocks). What can I say! Well done Kasey Josh????

yep and I reckon thats exactly what it is - overfeeding and the leftover food is the white gunk. I've had it happen and it looks like sheet covering the bottom of the tank.

yes there were and there are still a few coming in up here but you need to know what you are looking for

fantastic news :happy2:

Nice pics from both of you. What sort of camera Joe?

So which of these fish do you want to put in the tank with the kribensis you purchased. I note it was not on the suggested list from HFF. I don't personally have experience with all the fish on the list you have given but the ones I do know of are pretty peaceful fish. Kribs are not always that peaceful but a single one may be okay. The ones listed also have more general tank requirements and are easier to keep than a lot of cichlids.

On the following post of your in the trade and exchange section - wtb 89-99cm tank - people gave you some suggestions. Before you even try to set up the tank you need to decide what sort of dwarf cichlids you want - google is your best friend for a variety of suggestions. A lot of cichlids can not be kept with plants and yes you do need rocks and hiding places as some types can be aggressive. Have a good search on the internet and then come back and ask the questions

If its only just happened I would expect an ammonia spike (often happens in the evenings more than during the day). Test the water this morning, test the water late this evening. Water changes and an airline will help if its this otherwise as Alanmin says it could be gill flukes.

check out www.pricespy.co.nz Gives you the breakdown of camera types, prices and where to get them from. I normally use sony but we also have the canon cameras in our house.

Maybe someone up your way might be willing to loan you a bigger tank for the amount of time you will require it if you have the classroom space. This sort of thing is great with children and really does interest them.

ooohhh ... I've just hinted about a new camera!

I think this thread is very very interesting and I don't think the pics are that bad - more fascinating really. While I can't be any help on the topic of reptiles this is very informative. Good luck with your beardie, hopefully she will recover.

I think you will find that while one pair is spawning the spare female will wait her chance and move in on the eggs... or... the poor male will be overwhelmed with the ladies wanting a piece of him and run a mile :lol:

two females to one male - yes put one pair together, after they spawn wait until the fry are free swimming and the father is removed then put the male with the other female. Fighters don't pair for life in nature - the males are in the mud in the fields waiting for the rain to allow a female to pass by. Once they have spawned he chases her away and waits days, weeks or even months for another to swim past.

Are you talking the green aphids on roses? If so how long have you been feeding them for?

Yes, I'm going to feed my fish every live insect that I can get my hands on - partly because thats what they get in the wild and partly because it costs me a fortune to feed the hundreds of fish I currently have :roll:

lol and those two!!! BikBok - the first one is pure blue - slightly darker than the picture shows.

They say variety is the spice of life. I have spawns from both those two :happy2: