Caryl

Why do you have shells in a freshwater tropical tank? Have you checked the pH? Shell will increase the alkalinity.

I would definitely not put a puffer in a commnuity tank!

I can get Erythromycin cos I work for a GP and a friend is a doctor in the local hospital

Lookin good. Not seen one before.

Neosulf is neomycin sulphate used for infections and infestations. Try asking a friendly GP, vet, or chemist, as you would only need a very small amount. My Dr gets me Erythromycin when I need it (mind you, he only does it so he can tell the hospital his receptionist has algae :lol: ) If you need it for an external infection, ask female friends and relatives if they have any Pimafucort cream Not sure what it would do for the fish though as it also has hydrocortisone and natamycin in it.

Are they under water or just bopping about on the surface? Surface critters are nothing to worry about. If mozzies, modern angl has had experience with them :lol:

Looking good bluetom but I would be moving that plant that is in the front middle as it will grow too big and block the view of the rest of the tank. A free swimming space in front gives more depth to a tank.

Don't wait for replies to your "is anyone interested?" either, just set up a meeting and advertise it and see who turns up.

I would say to avoid the Eheim wet/dry filters but understand the others are good but I have not personally used them so can't comment. I have 2 Fluval 404's. Both go OK but water flow drops dramatically and quickly once on a tank! They are both (old and new models) difficult to pull apart to clean. The new one (now 3 or 4 years old I think at least) has recently broken both the impellor and the plastic bit the hose attaches to so had to buy replacement parts. Had difficulty getting an impellor for it as no-one had them. Recently purchased 2 Jebos and they are going brilliantly with much greater flow than the Fluvals. Have only had them since early in the year so can't comment on reliability over time yet but so far I am pleased with them.

Just resize them billaney

Small plastic bags, pill bottles (pills removed and container washed of course) or empty film canisters make good food containers for daily doses

Using media etc from an established tank, plus adding the fish over that time rather than all at once (as I thought you meant), makes a big difference so you probably won't get a spike at all. You can easily wait a year or 2 for the other tank as plecs don't grow that quickly and clowns grow even more slowly. You're doing well! :lol:

Do as Shae suggested Rusty and keep your fingers crossed. If it is just one fish with problems then it is most likely to be a problem with that fish but if more start exhibiting the same symptoms you will have to look at what is wrong with the tnak conditions. May possibly be a temporary food blockage or swim bladder problem which will correct itself with rest and good food away from the others. What sort of 'treatment' have you given her?

It is not necessary though and many people keep guppies without using salt. If you are unsure about whether the other fish can tolerate it then leave it out.

How long had the tank been set up and how many fish did you have in it? Filtration? pH? temp? ammonia readings? nitrate readings?

Does it form a slimey sheet over things? If so, it is cyanobacteria and not an algae.

Why do you want to add salt?

I would expect a spike as that is a lot of fish to add at once. Keep testing as the next few days will be critical. The water change will have helped. What sort of filtration are you running? That is a lot of bottom dwellers too as all of them grow very large (but slowly). Be prepared to have the landscape uprooted repeatedly as those plecs grow.

Welcome vapo and I suggest you join a club too for more help, information, good times and freebies Kapi-Mana are going great guns at the moment 8)

Mine came in on some infected plants. I tried the black-out and water changes too

You do have to be careful with it but only because it is important not to overdose as I believe it is toxic.

They are banning the import of a lot of animal meds I gather. Can't tell you why exactly. Does anyone know the reasoning behind it?

I tried every other method before I resorted to erythromycin as I hate adding anything to a tank - except fish of course.

I would stick to the instructions on the bottle myself. Just use the Melafix and salt if you are wanting salt in the tank. It isn't necessary though if you are getting rid of the gobies.

It seems to vary from region to region. :roll: