Caryl

I obviously did it all wrong then :roll: :lol: We had a 3ft tank. We took several barrels down the coast and filled them with water, rocks and any critter we could catch. This included shrimps, anemones, rockfish, triplefins, brittlestars, chitons, sea cucumber, various starfish, and a hermit crab. We had an AquaClear filter hanging off one end. The tank was topped up occasionally with fresh water and once every few months we went to Rarangi Beach and got fresh sea water. We also added sea lettuce. This always had lots of microscopic critters stuck in it for food for the inhabitants. That's it. All were happy. We had no deaths except for a baby octopus that escaped.

My marine was a rock pool with critters gathered from the Kaikoura coast. They were used to 10 - 15C. I did not have any equipment on the tank, except for a filter. It ran for almost 2 years until cooling it got to be too difficult (didn't buy a chiller until after the tank had been dismantled :roll: ). I still have the chiller sitting somewhere, never used it :lol: . I am sure I will set another cold marine up some day and use it then.

Fish can cope with slow temperature fluctuations throughout the day (and night). It is sudden changes that cause the problem. If the tank gets too hot over summer, try turning off the lights, removing the lid, blowing a fan across the surface, or freezing 2 or 3 litre plastic containers of water to float in there. If the temp does not stay high for more than a few hours (drops overnight) then they will cope. Some of the plants don't like it 28C+ You could also get the room air conditioned or cool it somehow.

Your biggest problem can be keeping it cool enough, especially in summer. We had to buy a chiller.

Sometimes it is an age thing as they grow and start to assert their authority over "their" territory.

Why would Aucklanders be in a southern birthday cupcake? :lol: Bet he licked the icing off before eating a cupcake too

DonnaM is our turtle expert. I think she says a 4ft tank minimum (250L+) for 1 red ear and preferably outside in a pond when adult size. We have heard of lots of species, like box turtles, just can't get them here

Grant and I are heading to the Waikato tank parade. We will be crossing the strait on Friday 15th and coming back on Sunday 17th. If anyone would like picking up along the way to attend also, or needs fish transported to or fro, let me know.

They are still going but not brightly coloured. No fry as far as I know but since I hardly see the female (she hides unless feeding) I have no idea if they have been spawning.

We get our own back any chance we can

The Wurzels :lol: I've got a brand new combine harvester and I'll give you the key :lol:

She doesn't need to be posted as she is travelling in her own vehicle :lol:

I have a pair in my tank Joe (not the dehane, the mowgli - oops that is the moliwe :lol: )

Both are referred to as being cycled but it is the filter that is the main one in this case. The majority of the bacteria live in the filter although there are some in the substrate of the tank.

My dad used to have to rake the goldfish off the lawn back into the pond after a downpour :lol:

If you are transferring the filter at the same time as the fish I don't know why you are doing all these water changes beforehand. At the time of the transfer take half the water from the old tank (assuming you are still going to be using it, if not then use all the water) then top up new tank with new water. The filter has all the good bacteria in it, not the water.

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Gareth and Dena have a golden-laced wyandotte and a couple of brown shavers. He says the shavers are more reliable egg factories but the wayandotte looks more impressive :lol: None went off the lay from the quakes either

We have been away celebrating Grant's 60th (on Monday) and his dad's 90th the day before. I am sure you can figure out which one is Grant (a big clue is his name and age on the cake ) Had a family lunch at Kaiteriteri Beach then spent a couple of days with friends at Paton's Rock in Takaka. Would have stopped in at kiwiplymouth's but ran out of time :roll: Hate these crowded beaches eh? First one is Kaiteriteri and second is Paton's Rock...

Join the Dunedin Aquarium & Pond Society. They will know the best places to get items to feed your addiction.

Sounds like the groups will need to be split into 2 or 3 with different starting points! It looks like Grant and I will be coming up after all as we hope to visit a bird breeder in Palmy so could pick up people on the way. Of course, this would be on the Friday so we make it in time for the Saturday start, and home again Sunday catching the last ferry.

Didn't wok say they either eat it or bet on it? :lol:

I HATE daylight saving :evil: Change your time in your profile.

I have never really taken any notice of those things since we can't bring fish in. I have received similar from other supposed companies from other countries too. I also get invited to conferences and stuff :-? I always assumed they were legit but did not give them much thought.

Is it too late to add people? We may be able to make it after all.