JazzyJeff

I agree - I am very new to this sport and am interested in the science behind it... 20 years down the track I too would probably snuff at testing but right now I am learning. I have my fingers crossed that I am not putting my faith in a test that is inaccurate. So thanks to the experienced 8) for the guidance they selflessly offer on here.

Thanks Prince - I hadn't even given a thought about exp dates! I have been using API - can't see any exp dates on the bottles - perhaps they were on the box? It has never occurred to me that they could be inaccurate before till I had a conversation someone today. Sounds like the brand I am using isn't too bad then.

Wow! yes that is a very cool piece! Great shape for that size tank... beats expensive ornaments for the petstore!

Usual story - uninvited guest that had to be escorted out! I say with confidence that none of my friends would do anything like that no matter how drunk! And yes I was livid... some idiots should come with "warning" tatooed on their forehead! My poor little skunk loach didn't have a chance!

What brand is everyone using and trusting? Are some better than others?

I have recently started 2 smallish tanks using JBL Filter start and did full water tests daily for approx 3 weeks. The first tank I added way too many fish to quickly but had no probs - ammonia levels didn't go over 0.5 at any stage - I was impressed with this product. I then started a 200l tank with JBL filter start this was following the same pattern until a party goer at my house thought it would be funny to feed them some vodka... Killed not only the few fish that were in there but I am pretty sure killed all my good bacteria also as I am getting ammonia, nitrite and nitrates showing now. I am sold on the JBL product - and would rec to anyone starting a new tank. Incidentally - the Smart Start is a TLC product

Bath Tub filled and the wood weighted down with fishing sinkers did the trick - left it for 5 days. It is now in my tanks and looking mighty fine.

Both my small tanks had it soon after I set up - I left it and it went away by itself - perhaps if you left it for nature to deal with it might go away for ever as mine did??

Stop trying to frighten me!

Thanks Barrie - yes I would love to come up and take a peek but am not able to look at doing that till August and I was kinda hoping that I wouldn't need to wait that long... I do have 3 tanks set up to feed my new found addiction but there is a Siamese Fighter that is the Boss of one of them. I am impatient to get some into these tanks but am aware I need to make good choices from the start... any advice is greatly appreciated!!

Bugga!

OK, so how does this sound... ? Pseudepiplatys Annulatus (Top) P82 (Mid tank) Aphyosemion Bitaeniatum (Mid-Bottom) :roll: Will all these get along?

So what part of the tank does the P82 hang out? ie top, mid or bottom

Yup! That learn him! Guppy tails are not dinner!

Anything else mid range?

I like your chain of thought there mystic - where do they hang out in the tank - would quite like one that will swim in mid range and perhaps if it is poss some that swim at the top that will get along with the mid range swimmers, & vice versa

Yes the glossy look when the lights are on - The Ram colour looks totally different from how it looked in the LFS... I was pleasantly suprised!

Cycling? Yes - canister filter all set up & going - putting food in each day - there is one skunk loach in there and I will be adding a JBL filter start this evening. I am hoping that is enuff to clear the haze.

hmmmmm... water very murky - not keen to throw them in just yet. It has a cloudy white haze that I 'm not sure how to get rid of

Cool addiction tho!

Right then I am liking the A scheeli and the P82's but most of all the Aphysoemion - they are wikid!

Hold on - I'll just go google all those!

:bounce: GOOD NEWS! The full bath tub and sinkers seem to be doing the trick! my pesky driftwood appears to be loosing its bouancy! Yaye!!

Hi there! Can I get a few opinions on what type of Killie I should start with? I am keen to get one or some but am unsure which to start with - would love to hear some suggestions. I do like the colours blues and reds and am drawn to the longer fins... What say you?

I have black silica sand in my smaller tanks - I love the look and yes it really brings out the colouring in the fish ... http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx35 ... 1246185793