Caryl

There was no need to empty the tank. What you had was an algae bloom and, although it looked unsightly, the fish would have loved it! A shift in the natural tank balance would have caused the bloom. This could have been from a number of sources; the filters blocked a bit, more natural light on the tank as summer approaches, a bit of overfeeding, building phosphates etc. Perhaps, as the fish have grown, their wastes are now too much for the current filtration which is why the tank was fine until recently. I like under gravel filters and find them good but would not use them as the only filtration in a 240L tank as I think it would not be enough. There is supposed to be muck under the plates, it is full of the good bacteria that makes them work. There was no bug so no need to get new gravel but, as you realise, you are now going to have to cycle the tank again. If you get another filter (eg an external or internal canister) run it for a couple of weeks on your other tank to start the bacteria going then you can transfer the filter and the fish back over to the new tank again.

There is more to algae than just lighting though. With no plants at all you will have more trouble with algae than a planted tank. I run my tanks using bright white, cool white or daylight tubes (all basic and available from Mastertrade or similar), depending on the brand as they come with different names. I have always found these quite sufficient for plant growth.

Baensch Aquarium Atlas 1 ISBN 3-88244-050-3 Page 525 makes reference to Aphyosemion bitaeniatum (Syn. A multicolor) but only has a small pic and says it is often misrepresented as A bivittatum. Baensch Aquarium Atlas 2 ISBN 1-56465-114-2 Page 610 has Aphyosemion bitaeniatum, multicoloured lyretail (AHL 1924). Syn Fundolopanchax bivittatum (not LONNBERG), Aphyosemion bivittatum multicolor, A multicolor

If it burned itself on the heater I would not expect blisters to be on both sides unless you have 2 heaters close together and it got stuck between the 2.

I agree with Ira. Lighting is more important if you are keeping live plants.

Best wishes to you both. No breeding point as you need a minimum of 10 fry

You gotta watch out for little sliding things 8)

Two possibilities I can think of; 1. It has grown too big for the hole in the log and damaged itself darting in or out 2. Too much Melafix. Clowns are sensitive to a lot of meds

Is Micron the brand name or type? What sort of media is in it? Is it internal or external?

I have seen them do this and then return to their normal size. I would assume it was a temporary blockage.

If you suspect a buildup of toxins, do daily water changes. They should improve.

No I didn't. I just showed them all your baby pics and they got clucky :lol:

Thank you all. Bluetom, they came from Auckland! Go see dogmatix Am considering putting them in a pond outside this summer and seeing what happens. I have 3 of each sex.

2 of my angels are cleaning a leaf and have all the other fish bailed up at one end of the tank :roll:

I can't

Finally managed to get a pic of one of my male odessa barbs. :bounce: Speedy little blighters. I got him while he was feeding which is why it is a bit mucky around him, falling fishfood

Have you considered constipation? Do a 50% water change at most, never do 100%, then don't feed for a couple of days. When you do, feed them a pea (or 2) cooked and shelled. See if this helps. I am really against people adding meds or chemicals merely because they have no idea what is wrong with the fish but figure it won't harm. It may do! Melafix is an antibacterial so it is inappropriate to use if your fish does not have a bacterial infection. You say the water tests came up clear, what tests did you do? What size is the tank and what size are the fish. I assume these 2 fish are the only inhabitants? The blister may be damage from it hitting the gravel or damaging itself on something.

I just right clicked on it, selected properties then copied and pasted the url.

Interesting colour pattern. Of course, he is not a 'proper' blackmoor so would not do well if in a fish show but who cares? If you like him that's the main thing. Has he always been those colours or is he changing?

The ones I have here are 1994 so will not have the latest name changes but it is the same fish, which is what counts! They are great books but very expensive. The only reason I have them is they belong to the FNZAS and I use them as references when I do articles for the Aquarium World magazine. About the only perk for being editor is the large selection of reference books I have here 8)

Astatotilapia brownae Baensch Aquarium Atlas 3 ISBN 1-56465-185-1 page 694 Copadichromis azureus Baensch Aquarium Atlas 3 ISBN 1-56465-185-1 page 778 Maylandia crabro (under Pseudotropheus) Baensch Aquarium Atlas 3 ISBN 1-56465-185-1 page 852

Welcome to the fishroom. We have several clubs in Auckland you could join. They will be sure to give you help.

Good for you. Any pics? Are they in a tank on their own? By the way, the odessas have settled into their new home really well

An informative site to go to is www.cichlids.com

Yeah, I thought most ponds had one form of parrot's feather in them. It is very common from what I have seen. Like Shae said, must be another plant.