Jennifer

Good advice Morcs, I would agree, although I am not an expert either. :oops:

Don't get me started Sam!

I have a Fluval 405 canister filter on an AR850 tank. On the left side of the hood there is an area that already had access holes through the bottom. I just cut down the back on two sides and then lightly scored a line under it and when I bent it, it snapped off perfectly to allow the inlet and outlet hoses through and still fit the lid over the top as if it is unmodified.

Depends on the size you are looking for but most will eat snails. Some, like Kuhli loaches , dwarf chain loaches and striata loaches will remain small (under 8cm) into adulthood which makes it easier to keep a large shoal (as they prefer to be kept in larger social groups). Clown loaches get up to 30cm which is something to keep in mind if you have 10 of them!

N1CK or SamH are always about with lots of links...I am sure it won't be long before they arrive with some good suggestions. To start with you can try visiting the following blog for some good basics on aquascaping: http://www.aquatic-eden.com/ Also, try looking at the following sites that have some interesting planted substrates for colour ideas, etc: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/myTanks/ http://www.flickr.com/groups/greataquascapes/pool/ Have fun! This is the best part, designing the tank setup! :bounce:

Thanks! Your pic there has inspired me to do something different now that the comp is over. :roll:

Great article. It was interesting to see that too much sugar is not only a waste of money but it also impeeds the yeast's ability to produce CO2. Nice set up!

Methylene blue is fine as an antibacterial/antifungal treatment but it will damage the bacterial filter so is usually not used in the tank itself. I have used 5 mls per 4 litres in a hospital tank but others may have a better idea as to dosage. I personally would probably start with salt (up to 1 g /l) and see how it goes since this is a relatively non invasive treatment and is very effective. Treatment of any kind can add to the fish's stress and stress will definately affect the immune response and wound healing time.

Hey, you might want to list your location in your profile so local people can provide better specific advice to you. You can do that by going to the 'user control panel' at the top right of the window. Now, about substrates, many different types of substrate are ok to use but as the others say some types can affect pH (acidity/alkalinity) of the water so it is good to research what you want and the type of fish you are keeping. Tetras generally are ok with a wider pH range that is on the acidic side so take care with shells which can raise the pH too much for the fish to thrive. When stocking your tank with more inhabitants, this is something to consider. You will find a general trend in substrates, dark colours tend to show off the fish's colour as well as help the green colour on any plants to show up. Fine substrates, like sand, are good for plants to spread out good roots. Also, fine smooth substrates are good for bottom feeding fishes that enjoy sifting through the gravel. In some set ups light quartz type sand is used since this is what the fish would have in their natural habitat. You can go online to a number of good sites to get inspiration for how you want your tank to look. There are limitless options.

Welcome! Always great to see an interested fishkeeper looking to improve. 8)

Wecome. Always great to see a business interested in the views of the community it serves.

Well done!

Yes, well they were sooo easy to breed and there was a glut in the market. Great for fostering my Goulds - which I sold for $125 a pair. :lol:

Wow, I really have missed my calling....I had no idea they were so valuable here. I used to sell these for $8 each!

Sounds like you are on the right track. Aeration helps to decrease the toxicity of the ammonia as does a slightly reduced temerature (within reason). If it were me, I would do a slightly larger than 30% water change and check again the next day.

+1 Story of my camping life!! :lol: Great fun though eh?

Seriously?? These guys breed like wildfire....maybe I need to build an aviary again and start up a breeding programme.... I can see some economic opportunity there! 8)

:bounce: Good work! This is the point where very clean water with some added salt will help with healing. If you are planning on redosing, don't do it until the fish's demeanour is back to normal.

Yeah. And they have the cutest song ever don't they? Love it. :lol:

Happy New Year! Give it horns!! (or flippers)

:lol:

I used to breed these and I found that they really appreciate being in a group of at least 4 or 5. Of course back then they were very inexpensive and easy to find...

Without knowing the specific parasite, and its life cycle, it is very hard to say for sure. It won't hurt to wait a week or two just to be sure you are getting the next stage of development. You may even find that you need to treat again in a month, although fingers crossed you will get them all with one go!

Or even 6.12pm.... :lol: :bounce:

Ouch! Just makes me want to grab it and yank it out! Although that would probably not be so good for the fish.... :roll: Hopefully it dies and the fish's body can just get rid of it...not beyond the realm of possibility considering how 'external' the worm appears to be...