Caryl

I too use photobucket.

What sort of filter are you using? Could you transfer some of the media from it to the new filter? That would help a lot. Not everyone is an expert speller or good with grammar. This does not mean they need correcting. Please stick to the topic without criticising perceived mistakes.

I use hot water straight from the tap no problems. Some older houses can be a hassle with older pipes and corrosion.

If roninboxers is correct and it is Java moss grown emersed then you all have a good source of your very own Xmas tree moss at a fraction of the cost

I know the original thread said leopard danios but I wanted to check they weren't being confused with leopardfish re the cold water bit.

No it doesn't Aqua as they are not affiliated with us yet - still getting organised! I know we, the FNZAS, in effect are setting the poecilia group up but it doesn't make it an automatic member without going through the correct procedure. This involves the club sending a letter to the FNZAS secretary requesting they be allowed to join the FNZAS. The request is then sent to all the other clubs and if no objections are received within 3 months, membership is accepted (on payment of capitation fees and Year Book levy of course)

Warren, where is the best place to buy these acids and does the pumice alter the pH?

Freshwest means this bit from Warren... You can smash up pumice. It has a very high surface area compared to most hard surface media. It’s also free if you can find some. It can contain silicates and heavy metals however. After smashing it up it needs to be treated. I've used it a lot with very good success. Here's how I prepare it: Smash the pumice into bits about 10mm in size. Soak the pumice in acid for 1 week, stirring daily. Rinse the pumice and soak in chlorine for 1 week. Rinse very thoroughly. Pumice is now ready. The acid can be anything fairly toxic. I usually use Hydrochloric Acid since I keep some in the shed. You could use acetic acid (white vinegar) but it’s a lot weaker. The best would probably be phosphoric acid, as it will get most of the silicates and heavy metals. You can use any Sodium Hypochlorite based Bleach as a source of chlorine. This will help break down any remaining organic material and bleach the pumice so it is very white. The final rinsing process consists of a very thorough rinse followed by soaking the pumice for a few days, changing the water every day. When there is no smell it is ready. Pumice works really well but sometimes it can cause a little brown algae (due to silicates) for the first couple of months. It’s normal to get some brown algae in a new tank anyway, its just a little worse for a little longer. If you are happy to put up with this in exchange for almost free media it’s an excellent option.

Erythromycin can only be obtained from a doctor as it is a prescription medication. I used it as a last resort in my tank and it worked well. I had an AquaClear running but a very low stocking level. I removed as much of the dying cyano as possible during treatment and then did a large water change. Never did any tests so have no idea what it did to ammonia etc levels but lost no inhabitants during the treatment.

Who knows? A letter posted to us from Wellington took 5 days but many of the upper North Island people got their magazines the day after I posted them from here. I would expect it to take 2 days average.

There you go then, send a PM to Alan and he can tell you all about it

Did it have a pic that didn't get moved with the question??

Now there's a thought pol. There's a lot to be said for being self employed :lol:

The torpedo barbs I saw were all 6cm and over

To join the FNZAS you must belong to an affiliated club. There are 3 in the Auckland area or you can join any of them. The killie club is postal only for those into killifish. My own club has members all over the country (inc Auckland ). Our subs are $20 family, $15 senior or $10 junior. Most clubs' fees are similar. We also have a monthly full colour newsletter. Some other clubs also have these and others don't. One or 2 have no newsletter at all, or an irregular one.

The magazines were posted this morning

Hi Carl and welcome. Newtman here has newts - believe it or not

I don't think so Bill. The striped one may be but not the others. I am wondering whether I actually have 2 different fishes. Cas they are in the tropical community in the lounge as the computer room tank is my Malawi set-up. I really want some of those torpedo barbs but at $39.95 at one shop and $49.95 each at another they can stay in the shops!

I picked up some of these in Christchurch today. Never heard of them before or seen them either. Apparently they reach 9cm. Here they are still in their bag... and here is a shot of them in the tank. They are still settling in and kept hiding at the back. I note a couple don't have the Y pattern but more just stripes

I have PMd someone (can't remember who just at the moment) with "how to start up a club" so here's hoping you get it off the ground. Our club started with someone putting an advert in the local paper asking anyone interested in keeping fish to meet at their place at a certain time and date. We also put flyers up in supermarkets and community noticeboards like in malls, vets, libraries, scholls etc. Decide where and when the meeting is to be, advertise and see who turns up. From there you need to elect officers and decide which meeting night suits the majority. If you want to affiliate to the FNZAS then it costs $5 per head plus the club pays $25 per year for the Year Books. Membership entitles members to free Aquarium World magazines and a Year Book listing all affiliated members, their details and interests plus lots of other information. Many lfs offer discount to FNZAS members too.

Welcome namlish. We are getting quite an international feel in here!

This weekend we are heading to Ashburton to judge our southern members' tanks. If anyone wishes to join us they would be most welcome. We leave from the Coronation Park Motel (and camping ground) at 10am. This is on the main Rd entering Ashburton from the north I believe. We will have a BYO lunch at goldie's at Hakatere and a BYO BBQ tea later in the evening. ALL WELCOME!!!! The following weekend (26-27) we judge the Blenheim end. Limited billets available (and a family size tent) if anyone wants to visit. PM me. I am off shortly but will be back Sunday night. Might be able to access this site from our motel before that though.

I assume you belong to a club then? AWs have been printed and should be ready to post on Monday. PM me your real name and I will check you are on my mailing list

Neons today seem to be all quantity but less quality so they drop dead quite easily

Welcome caserole. Sorry I missed you in chat earlier but I wasn't in there long myself. Perhaps another time...