kiwi101

Thanks! I have seen Pitbull plecs locally so will look into them a bit more since we can maybe see one in the flesh. The more we read the more i go off Bettas for us, Swords and Guppies seem nice and are def colourful! I'll look into plants now, thanks for the link

We are starting a new tank, first one ever. Have just sized up from our original plan of a 40l to a 90l. There are endless questions, so thanks in advance for your time The tank is primarily for my 11yr old to enjoy, so the fish choices are his so far and ultimately he has final say in terms of species as long as they are compatible and in our range of knowledge. He is very keen to learn and wants to keep to only a small number of species in as close to ideal size groups as possible, esp if that will mean we get to see more of their natural interactions So far the longterm plan is Neons (12 or so) Some Corys, - we like the Sterbai or Jullii so far but weren't sure of best combo to get. ie 4-6 of one Cory species and similar size group of another, or do we stick with one species? What is a good group size to make the most of interactions? A group of another small species (maybe a different Tetra like Glowlight) The original idea was a Betta but I'm still not convinced it's a good idea - Swordtails and/or some specific favourite colour/pattern Guppies are another possibility instead unless someone can suggest a more appropriate option? What size group is appropriate for Guppies? Swords are 1 male to 2-3 females? As I understand it, as a general rule we should avoid mixing Swords and Guppies with Bettas. So we have been basing the plan on one or the other. We've looked at Otos and BN but are not convinced we can do a BN justice sizewise and the Otos don't appeal visually. Obviously this is longterm as we have only just added our first 4 Neons and will need to give them some weeks to settle and water to adjust. While we start with the Neons we have them in the 40l and are researching maybe planting something in the 90l ready to transition fish over as well as setting up the tank as well as possible with decent cover for everyone. Can anyone suggest a suitable beginner plant? Are there any specific petshops we should go to or avoid in the Wgtn region? Thank you so much for your time and patience

Thanks all of you OK, so,gravel rinsed and in tank is now filled. I went to add the stuff for starting bacteria(bought Nutrafin cycle) and thought it best to reread everything first. Decided to look for Smart Start today. As we are a couple of weeks from adding fish maybe I don't need too, maybe Nutrafin is OK? I can look for JBL Filter Start too.. Shop people were helpful but I really don't trust petshop staff esp when the info is conflicting. My biggest confusion is what to use to add ammonia for starting the cycle, one guy says fish food and add it and the Nutrafin at the same time, another person said use a piece of fish, or add a pair of Guppies. We need to get a new heater still, so will prob get Smart Start from Hollywood at the same time as a heater (looking at an adjustable Jebo?) Filter media - we used white wool and bio balls (balls came with the tank) I need to get my head around the different options and mixes of media that people use. Aiming for noodles as one of the next things We looked at lots of fish yesterday and the kids are keen on Neons or Guppies/Platties. One of the petshops said that we can keep a Siamese fighter with other fish (I thought they needed to be alone?) We wondered if a group of Neon Tetra (7 is min number isn't it?) and one Siamese fighter would be doable? Failing that we'll aim for a couple of Guppies/Platties and some Neons but am I right in thinking the tank can only support around 10 at most? Caryl - we are in Upper Hutt, wouldn't expect anyone else to go out of their way for n00b tho, must be tedious for you guys

Thanks! I was so busy going over everything that I hadn't even noticed that there were Blue Planets parts on the Hollywood site..lol So that sorts the light (unless someone can point me at a cheaper generic replacement?) and the filter media (I'm not sure where to start with doing that myself yet, so maybe better to use the readymade stuff first?) I'll look at the Blue Planet heaters and see if Trademe can offer better.. lol I will also look for bacteria, any pointers on brandnames or anything? I think usually it has cycle in the name maybe? Thanks Any pointers on substrate(hope I got the name right) gravel etc and can I start the process with tap water or do I need to do/use something different?

Hi, I am totally new to fish so please bear with me while I try to make some sort of sense of all this...lol The kids and I are keen to learn and we finally have an actual tank, small but hopefully alright to start us off. Tank is only 40l ..Pretty sure it is this one here http://www.hollywoodfishfarm.co.nz/deta ... um/m/1015/ Ours measures pretty close and is branded BluePlanet, looks the same etc We still need to clean it well and cycle it - I'm thinking the fishless cycling method from the beginners corner. What should I clean it with? (there is a bit of old algae I guess, from the previous owners and dust from storage). Can I fill with tap water prior to cycling? What brand/type of stuff do I use to add the ammonia? The guide says 'Pure household ammonia'.. Can anyone recommend what I should be getting to test the water, brands etc? Science minded child will love this part of the process. What filter media should I be buying for this? Do I need gravel/sand? What is safe/good and how much? When we are ready for fish, we are hoping for something easy in the tropical range. Guppies seem to be popular (would I be right in thinking that we can get all males so no over population issues?) What can we mix with Guppies, or does anyone have other suggestions? The kids like the idea of some Tetra (Neon), Guppies and maybe a Bristlenose but I'm unsure if we have the space for all that since I know we need certain numbers of the community fish and have limited space. Can someone please advise me if this heater is OK for this size and still safe (as far as you can tell from a pic) - its the stock one that came with the tank originally but it has burnt looking bits inside and not sure if it really is the right size. Anyone know where I could buy a new bulb for the light? Do we need to have a light? is it OK to have the light on overnight? OK, now I know I have asked a lot but ow you get to laugh cos I'm a n00b. Is the sucker thing in the pic with the heater in it, actually FOR attaching the heater? And is the long tube-y thing on the end of the pump in the right place (I figured that must be the pump intake and that why the taper and slotted end so I don't suck up fish?

He was found in Upper Hutt approx two weeks ago, he has been listed in the local pet shop and on trademe as well as the SPCA Edited to adjust time as I fogot how to add..lol

He was found in Upper Hutt approx one week ago, he has been listed in the local pet shop and on trademe as well as the SPCA

I have read and reread but pretty much all of it really assumes you were prepared for a turtle..lol Any vital info that this guy needs NOW? Incidentally I spoke to someone who 'does turtle rescue' (not Donna!) who has given info that directly goes against several key points that you guys have on here.. Thank you for all the info you have here in a Sticky. It must have saved more than one turtle!

So, a turtle (Male it seems) was found nearly 2 weeks ago by some people, they passed him to other people, who are now going overseas so I have taken him in to try and organise a new home.. SPCA and all other local animal rescues were notified by original people, no luck so far... He has been living in a small chilly bin and fed worms by previous people. I am hoping my old tank doesnt leak, so at least he can have a tank (tho it's too small im sure! approx 125L) He is 15cm long and seems in pretty good condition - no obvious damage to his shell and is very active.. Any advice?? Info?? People who might like a handsome yet modest turtle-about-town?

Yikes, so much info! I hadn't even thought about what types of fish yet and was thinking only 1 species/type as I have no clue which are compatible - I was going to ask you all that Q next.. We have always liked Plecos but I know the tank is too small... but I guess considering tropical opens us up to so much more... I will be back but in the meantime, I'll clean the tank out and make a list of bits n pieces for cycling etc What pet shops are good for fish in the wgtn region, we are in the Hutt but can travel..

You guys all rock! I know a lil about cycling but will need to get more clued up .. Thanks for the mention of how many goldfish too - I know a lot of people have too many in a small area but really didn't know what to expect with this size.. I was very unsure about tropical - but is it really as simple as a heater?? Cool!! I'll do some more research and look at picking up test kits and starting aging water etc... Thank you all, I'll be back when we have something planned to put in the tank

Hi, I have finally figured I need to get my A into G if we are going to fill this tank.... So I guess to start, I need to know the volume it holds? I'm no maths whizz can someone help? The tank measures, 37cm Deep, 42cm High, 87cm Length, once I know the volume, what coldwater fish should I choose and what will I need in the way of pumps and filters? Thanx in advance!