Caryl

Eventually, if the ammonia damage wasn't too severe.

Hmm not sure about that jn. They do prefer it a bit higher I think. They would cope at that temp but I don't think they would be happiest, or look their best.

A lot of people do that, or similar kelsta. Some of us have to resort to such methods in summer to keep the temperature down.

I have always just dipped the testtube under at the top of the water. Never heard of anyone being told to take it from the bottom. As said, if you have proper filtration the water circulation would ensure readings were identical top and bottom. Anyone want to do some test readings and see if they get different results?

No need for a water change until you start getting readings above 0.

Hi and welcome. You really need to satisfy that craving to get another tank ASAP as those yellow labs need totally different conditions from the other fish.

You never asked if you could mix barbs with goldfish. I would not do so. They get different diseases and the goldfish could eat the barbs.

I have thrown rosy, golden and odessa barbs outside into plastic 6ft pools ($24.95 from the big red emporium) over summer for them to breed then brought them back inside once the weather cooled. Of course, Wgtn might not have as good summers as we do here

No it isn't true. Barbs can tolerate cooler temperatures but not cold. If you live in a modern, well insulated, house where the temperature doesn't go below 18C you can keep them in an unheated tank but that is not the same as saying they are cold water fish.

I suggest you send a PM to billaney. I am sure he can help with some mature filter media He's in Wainuiomata.

How much each species schools varies. Some are more inclined than others to do so but, as said, all do it when stressed. Harlequins look at their best when in a group of 20 or more. Their colours are stunning. You never get to see them at their best when you only have a few of them.

Welcome Peter. Have you considered joining one of the local fish clubs? They could then give you cycled filter media which will be a lot more useful than Cycle. Don't add any more fish for at least a month

Basic table salt. Rinse well

I've been lucky jn. Never used a Q tank :oops: Rarely buy fish from shops. The majority of diseases are a result of poor water quality. Keep the tank well balanced and you should be fine. I had one fish develop dropsy (which is untreatable) a few years ago but that is it since I first started fishkeeping and was dealing with white spot due to ignorance about fish requirements.

I have no idea jn as I have not had to treat for any disease in my tanks for over 20 years :-? Also - I don't have a lfs

They are live bearers so have the same modified anal fins as guppies and platies.

I found bullying problems when I tried to mix dwarf with normal gouramis. The wcmms should be OK.

A good scrub out with salt and warm water :lol: Just scrub the filter out thoroughly and it will be fine - unless it had disease problems. If you already have a tank set up then hang the filter on it for a few weeks to cycle. Easy.

No need to use carbon anyway so keep it out. Can you take some of the filter media out of the old filter and tuck it into the new? That will help the tank cycle. Keep the other minnow out as it sounds like the problem came with them. You should be able to get a good fluke treatment from any pet shop. Don't use the bio chem zorb as it has carbon in it (hard to tell but I think you are using carbon as well as the bio zorb for some reason?) and will neutralise the meds. Also don't mix meds but the bio zorb has probably neutralised the Melafix anyway so you should be able to begin fluke treatment.

Nice catfish! :lol:

Buttered ice cream?

Bryan, the author, used to breed cardinals in huge numbers and supplied shops with them. The article was meant to encourage others to give it a go.

Welcome. Fishkeeping is a good hobby for partners to get involved in together.

Keep it running but be aware of possible splash-backs up the wall

To post pictures you need an online host like Photobucket. Your tanks are way too small for goldfish. In my opinion, comet goldfish should not be kept in tanks at all and should be in ponds. If you must have goldfish, I would keep 2 of them in a 3ft tank (30US gal) minimum. I don't think your goldfish will survive until Feb, despite all you are doing to help them. Are you able to return them to the store your mother purchased them from, and get more suitable (smaller and less messy) fish?