Caryl

A bit late but... today's meeting is at 2pm at 8a Faulkland Drive. We will be discussing the results of the latest FNZAS meeting plus looking at the photos Grant and I took of the National Scottish, National (Marine) English and Vancouver Aquariums (not to mention the fish market in Beijing).

There are also white spot medications available. Do you have any idea what caused the outbreak?

This worries me. Why do you have uneaten food left in the tank? And why has it been there long enough to turn toxic? Never feed your fish any more than they can eat in 2 minutes then make sure you remove anything left over (except allow longer for bottom feeders to suck the pellets into oblivion of course ) I would not be adding chemicals either, I would be doing LOTS of water changes. Products like Ammolock will also give you false test readings so you will have no idea if the ammonia is dropping or not if it is added.

Ah, but if you are like me and do not do weekly water changes a 404 won't cut it Problems can get out of hand faster too (eg filter stops, for whatever reason, while you are at work) Many who keep Africans do so with high stocking levels so I would feel safer with 2 filters but that is just my opinion.

I don't think a Fluval 404 would be enough. I ran 2 of them (well, one 404 and another similar size of a different brand) on my 4ft African tank of 280L.

Ours was a 3L diesel Bighorn (not what you asked about I know) which we liked a lot. It gave good fuel economy for a vehicle of its size and weight. On a long trip with no 4WD work we could get 11km/L. As soon as you need 4WD on a steep hill, any of them get very thirsty! I think the V6 will be reasonable if you use your foot lightly. Good on a long trip but very thirsty around town or short distances.

With the way some Africans dig around in the substrate, I would not have under gravels in there. If I had a 5ft with Africans I would get an FX5. They are chunky, messy fish and need as much filtration as possible. They also like a current (mine certainly did anyway!)

They said it has UGFs. Didn't mention pumps to run them. Might not worry you but it may pay to check the pump(s) is included. I also assume the stand is included as well. It says they are on the stand for display, not precisely that the stand is included either :-?

I don't have much slate, not enough to stack along a back wall like many do, but enough to make some small caves. I have both natural slate (I think) and cut stuff.

How much slate do you need? I have one or two bits here and will be in ChCh in about 3 weeks.

NEVER add medications when you have no idea of the cause of death. NEVER mix medications. If you have added tonic or something, DO NOT add anything else! 99% of deaths are caused by poor, or incorrect, water conditions.

I am surprised that wood has not sunk yet as it looks like the rimu I have in my tank so is good and solid. I believe the baking soda helps dissolve the air bubbles or something so making it sink faster (might have the theory wrong there). Some have tied heavy fishing sinkers to the wood, where they can't be seen. This does not harm the fish either.

That was my thought too Ira. Pegwood said pump, then everyone replied assuming they meant filter. Which they may have but clarification is needed 8)

Fish are a lot easier to catch if you remove all the plants, rocks, and decor first then remove most of the water

Obviously some of you have too much time on your hands! :roll: :lol: Besides which the third moon of Saturn is not visible at this time of year :-?

Gee Billaney, only one? :lol:

I would think most farm supply places would have something suitable.

Just a small note here - the TANK is supposed to get onto the stand, not you

Is this where someone suggests he will have to move to Canterbury? :lol: I am sure he will come through the surgery with flying colours and adapt to his one eyed existence.

Believe me boys are cheaper and less hassle! :roll: (I have one of each so know from experience!)

Only the wascally ones!

I second that complaint! :lol: Shall we ban him or just poke him with your pointy stick? :bounce:

and what's this "we" bit? Who will be carrying it for 9 months then pushing it out?

There is stuff you can get that is used to coat the inside of concrete drinking water tanks. Don't know the name of the product though sorry.

Two further suggestions... 1. Tape duct tape or similar around the top edge (mine is 4cm wide and some sort of material, rather than plastic, stretchy tape. Bought at an auto shop I think) so you can't see the water line. 2. When you look at the tank, tip your head sideways to the appropriate angle until it looks level