Caryl

The type of fish makes a big difference to the bioload. 100 guppies will produce a lot less waste than 100 small plecs and the bigger the fish the bigger the poo.

Then I would be doing 30 - 40% water changes daily. How long you do these depends on cycling, which is why I suggested a test kit. I may have read it wrong but I gather it was the filter media in current use at the time the cat created the problem, that you say dried out in the bucket? Or did you mean the old filter had media that had dried out? Did you have any used media that had not dried out? If so, that is what should be in the filter now being used. If you have, you should be fine. If you haven't then the tank will have to cycle again. This is why it pays not to overstock, or if you do, make sure you have contingencies in place for when trouble arises.

If that filter was a used one that had been used continually when you added it (and not sat on an empty tank before adding it to the damaged tank) you should be fine but a 20% daily water change would not go amiss. Keep a close eye on the fish for any change in behaviour - gasping at the surface, listlessness, clamped fins etc.

If the tank is heavily stocked then I would be doing water changes and not just hope for the best. Have you got a test kit? Using one will tell you, quickly and simply, if, and when, a water change is required.

If it eases your mind at all, I once had a danio with dropsy, only one, and it never infected the other fish. By the time I noticed it the pinecone effect was very obvious and it actually died before I got it out of the tank. None of the other fish ever got it and I suspect that one danio had other health problems that led to the dropsy rather than it being an overall water conditions fault.

Welcome to another Darren. If you add your location to your profile it may help in future posts.

That was very interesting! :thup:

I like to keep as much existing water as possible as it is one less thing to worry about when setting up again.

Are you hoping they are edible?

Camtang, in here, can help too.

The API test kit is said to be a very good one. Whether it is good value or does what you want will vary depending on the user. Q tank size depends on the type of fish you keep. It needs to be large enough for the largest fish you end up with. You need to check the availability of mini heaters to fit.

I am sure Stella would recommend Koromiko for a freedom camping stopover area. It is on your left, 7.4km from the terminal

We are usually still up at that hour (Grant until after midnight). Do you need a bed(s)?

Everyone is commenting on how much better the tank has been since we re-homed the silver shark and kissing gourami. Staff say the tank is much appreciated and they often wheel patients down and park them in front of the tank so they can sit and absorb the now peaceful scene. Many thanks to Shayne, in Wellington, for sending over more angels to add to our numbers. The staff were all very excited and kept coming to have a look. Here they are waiting for their temperature to equalise... And here is the tank...

Welcome from another Blenheimite. There is a local fish club here you know although we currently don't have regular meetings. We did have a New Year BBQ though at the home of one of our members with a 6ft tropical marine (Sally J is also a member of this forum) 8) Occasionally we organise club runs to Nelson or Christchurch to buy fish or arrange for friends or family to transport fish back and forth as required.

If you need a break halfway - feel free to stop in and visit

We have just bought a new car too but since it is neither red nor racy I will not bother with a pic :bggrn: Mazda MPV - grey unfortunately.

Some fish are more sensitive to changes than others. Also, it you did not have as much flow going on at the lower levels, it would affect those fish more perhaps.

Welcome. BikBok that is the usual time you get out of Bettas.

Welcome back Amy. We look forward to pics of the progress as the tank is set up.

I like T bars 8)

You could also join your local fish club A lot of nearby interactive help at your doorstep. I believe Camtang, on these forums, is a member of the Tasman Aquarium Club.

Definitely exciting times then. Good memories for you too. :thup:

and back in Christchurch I see. What have you been up to overseas? Anything exciting?

The central clump was sold for $80. Overall I made $125 for the hospice and they were very pleased. The majority of the plants are still there of course. I was also given 3 angels with another lot coming from Wellington next week :happy2: Many thanks to those who bought plants or donated fish :love: