Caryl

Tiny white worms are usually planaria and a result of overfeeding. They are harmless and will disappear once the kids learn not to overfeed the fish I always think bettas should be in a species only tank but that is just my opinion. If you want to add something to help his fins - Melafix is the one you want I think (I'm at work so can't read off the bottle what it is for but from memory it is good for ripped fins)

Copied from another site (The Tropical Tank) and a slow day at work today

The term 'cycling' refers to the build up of essential bacteria, which break down wastes. In a new aquarium, there are not enough of the bacteria to cope with the waste load and toxic ammonia can rise to dangerous levels. Eventually, the bacteria increase to cope with the ammonia, converting it to another, only slighly less toxic compound - Nitrite. This too will then rise to high levels until a second type of bacteria increases and converts it to the much less toxic Nitrate. This process can take several weeks. In the confines of an aquarium, there is not really a complete 'cycle', and most of the end product, Nitrate, is normally removed by water changes. There are therefore certain things which should be done to minimise any stress or even fatalities during the cycling period: Add only a few hardy fish at first and feed lightly to minimise wastes. Test water regularly and perform water changes to reduce the levels of ammonia and nitrite if they become dangerously high. The bacteria are attached to surfaces, so removing water should not slow down the maturing process. If possible, obtain some gravel, tank decor, plants or filter media from a mature tank. This will introduce some of the necessary bacteria and may reduce or even eliminate cycling time. The aquarium is considered 'mature' when ammonia and nitrite have reduced to zero, and nitrates have begun to rise. At this point it will be necessary to begin a regular programme of water changes to keep the level of nitrates low (aim for less than 50 mg/l, less than 25 mg/l is better). (Note: mg/l = milligrams per litre and is essentially the same as ppm = parts per million, for most purposes).

But why would you want to use them at all? :-?

Hi and welcome. I suggest you join a local fish club. They are a great source of cheap (free) fish and plants to buy or swap.

Hi Apisto and welcome to NZ Very nice tanks too

Shop tanks don't always do them justice. They catch the light beautifully.

Then why are so many aquariums made of acrylic these days? That's a new one on me. Perhaps you should ask them why they say it isn't safe. Perhaps they are getting confused with some silicones? :-?

Small shell shapes they sell in lfs that claim to release oxygen into the water.

I should have realised what H town stood for :roll: Ask at Tropical Blues at Tirau.

I think the problem is that they aren't doing it! :lol:

They are quite large penejane, hence the large egg sac. I would agree with mis re the size.

Paul gave me permission to post these pics of his tank I took during the Dunedin Tank Parade. I think he is Paul2 in here... http://photobucket.com/albums/v144/cary ... ul%20Bone/

Well I have seen them in a number of places over the years. Umm central North Is. - try Wet Pets in Palmerston North. I have also seen them at times in Animates stores.

Finally got around to editing the pics and uploading them into my Photobucket Albums. Enjoy... http://photobucket.com/albums/v144/cary ... rade%2005/ For those who like discus, check out Gordon's section Barry has a tank with large green severums which is set into a fireplace. Colin has very large clown loaches (the largest is 25cm). If you look at the pics you will realise the rest of his clowns aren't all that small either! Carl has some discus too and a black ghost knife fish, among other things. Paul had a marine set-up.

If they are the ones commonly sold as a cochu blue then yes, they are in NZ.

Haven't found it so far sorry.

This should be stickied!

Sometimes and sometimes not depending on how much internal damage was done. Time will tell and he will probably be prone to similar problems the rest of his life if he survives.

Alan is part of the spelling police Sharlz. :roll: The Betta splendens is also known as a Siamese fighter or Siamese fighting fish.

So where did the silicone come from? Has he checked all the tank seals?

All looking lovely. I especially liked the open tank.

Hi and welcome. We are becoming quite international!

Go to a glazier. They can probably do it using off-cuts at a reasonable price. Or go to 2nd hand dealers to get old glass and practise.

You may not have called them the wrong thing as shops do sell pacus :evil: Piranhas are not legal in NZ unless you get a special licence. A couple of oscars would fit in a 4ft if he wants something biggish.