Caryl

All sounds very interesting Joze. looking forward to seeing your plans.

I would do it your way Chris.

What size tank?

It makes some valid points but also assumes a lot. The behaviour they talk about (repetitive movements, banging into the glass etc) are only seen in fish kept in the wrong conditions. It is one reason I do not like to see large fish in aquariums. Other fish, even in the wild, never move more than 3ft away from their 'home'. Fish which have been born and bred in tanks do not long to be free. In some cases, if it wasn't for aquarists and their 'glass prisons', some fish would not even exist any more as their natural habitats have been destroyed. This is what sites like this are about, to help ensure people are keeping their fish in the correct conditions.

Can you describe the 'something on its side'? Is it white, fluffy, round etc? Sometimes a fish can get damage and then fungus sets in which goes white and fluffy.

Water quality and additives differ depending on your location. We don't have chlorine added to our water here so I just put it straight in from the tap. I have never used those maturation agents as I don't think they do a lot, but others may have another opinion on that Try to find another fish keeper who will let you hang your filter on his established tank for 2 or 3 weeks to seed it.

No one knows more about corys than clothahump so take note of his advice. You can't get better How's about putting your site addy in your sig cloth?

Lovely Golden Bay sand eh? I get sand off the local beach and don't do anything with it except put it in the tank. You might have to skim the water with a net to catch a few drifty bits stuck in there, like chips of wood, dead insects etc.

Thanks for all your replies. I am now having a good think as to the way I want to do it and will let you all know what I end up with Love the fish there clotha. Had to keep reminding myself I was supposed to be looking at the T bar and plumbing, not the fish :lol:

I particularly like your "Get involved" statement Bruce. So true so true

16 or still at college or younger.

Depends on which club you join. Our club membership is $20 per family, $15 senior and $10 for a junior member. For that you get a monthly club newsletter (colour) 4 Aquarium World magazines, a Year Book (listing all affiliated members plus lots more) and affiliation to the FNZAS which gives you a discount card which may be used at selected retailers.

That's good to hear Mark and I will keep an eye out for the cheque

When fish are not well kriber they hold their fins close to their body and this is what is meant by clamping. I wonder NC if your babies have grown too big for their tank while you are away and the ammonia levels have risen too much.

Paddy, if you look at the home page under Clubs, you will find a list of all affiliated clubs and contact details for each.

Husband Grant just pointed out that Marlborough is, in effect, doing what Andrew suggests. We now have 11 members who live elsewhere (one is actually in Texas USA) as full members, not 'affiliates'. This is almost half our membership! Although they cannot attend meetings they do get club newsletters (we email the majority so postage cost is low) full of helpful information, and the Aquarium World. It also gives them the FNZAS discount card. Goldie is right, many take a lot without giving in return and it is always a few who do the work while others sit back. The only time we hear from them is if they don't like what is being done, or isn't being done. This happens everywhere at both club and national levels in all sorts of clubs and organisations. I would like to see things stay as they are since asking people to pay a small club fee is not a lot to ask for what they get in return. As affiliates, this suggests a lower fee and fees are so low now it is ridiculous. Now, if I could just get all these members to write an article for the magazine my job would be a LOT easier! :lol:

There may not be any more molly hunts as they are selling the area they live in.

You have an odd idea of clubs paddy_whack! An idea worth discussion Andrew. I will have to have a think about it and weigh up the pros and cons before agreeing or disagreeing.

Mine of course! :lol: Andrew is right, this is the official FNZAS site so we try to encourage people to join an affiliated club with the aim of helping promote good fish keeping. Our Homepage tells you all about us. I myself have had a lot of help from the FNZAS. As Blenheim does not have any fish shops, we are limited to what we can get and have nowhere to go for good information. The FNZAS has been invaluable to our club over the years. Those fortunate to live in a larger area with a choice of lfs are very lucky indeed. I think everyone should join a club. Not only can you help others but they may also help you. Being able to attend the FNZAS conferences has been an added bonus . We have made a lot of new friends, gained a lot of knowledge and have helped many others.

Hi DubbieBoy and welcome. First off I suggest you join the Dunedin Aquarium and Pond Society. They will probably have lots of plants etc to offer along with help and advice re the local scene. Their secretary is Colin, in Mosgiel, phone 489 7270. For further contact details check out our Homepage under "Clubs". A full contact list is there. http://paul.aaquaria.com is an excellent site and he also sells plants on TradeMe. Very knowledgeable and based in Feilding. Is also a member of this site.

No I can't post them up to you Chris! :lol:

Never taken any notice as I have always jammed them into a crack in the wood or anchored them with a stone so don't know at what point the roots took over but would imagine 2 - 3 months. I wonder if it makes a difference what you are attaching it too as well?

What is the pH? Corys like about 6.5 - 7.0.

Hmm, lots of ideas to think about thanks. Our main concern with sumps is accidental overflows if the pump fails or power goes off. We would have room above (with a little rearranging of book shelves) or below but not beside. Through the wall is not an option.

Why thank you Ira Because I am editor for the FNZAS so am responsible for writing and printing the FNZAS Year Book and Aquarium World magazine. The YB has all the information in it. I am the FNZAS's guardian angel :lol: