ichthus

I've found the Eheim Jager heaters to be brilliant... consistent temps. I tried out the cheap Blue Planet brand on a hospital tank. It was okay...but for my main tank I wouldn't use a cheap brand. As for other spare parts, maybe some spares for a filter (such as impeller)? In saying that, I don't bother...we have a good fish store very near by.

I thought brown algae was not enough light...however, nitrates at 5 is hardly a problem. But yup, water changes solve a multitude of problems.

Yep - I'd go with plastic bins over the bath tub. In my house I have to clean the bath after our 4 kids have used it for the week...sure as hell wouldn't put any fish in there!

Thomas...so obvious. Love that he hasn't figured out yet that everyone else thinks he's a goober. That tank looks mighty skinny?

I'd say keep an eye on it. Get the water tested if you can. A new pond, with no beneficial bacteria in it, PLUS 20 orandas would lead to ammonia I would guess (unless your filter was already matured in another pond). If your fish did get 'ich'/whitespot, the underlying issue may be the ammonia spike. That's the thing that needs fixing. So I'd say: 1) Get the water tested at a pet store so you know what you're dealing with 2) Keep up the water changes 3) Keep the feeding light Good luck

I suspect the 10% water changes may have something to do with it. Nitrates are lessened with water changes, and so the frequent changes are probably dealing to the nitrates. I wouldn't worry about it, so long as ammonia and nitrites are 0 your fish should be happy enough. Keep up the water changes (once a week or so), don't over feed, and you can probably stop testing so often. Some people (like me) don't test at all - you'll get to know your tanks and it may not be necessary.

I think it'd be fine. To be honest, bristlenose grow to a reasonable size for a 60 litre tank, and do big stringy poos. Cute when little, and useful for algae eating, but purely ornamental when larger. I wouldn't worry about him going agro toward other bottom dwellers...

Would importers want to store a large range of fish just hoping some store will buy them to on-sell? Doesn't seem to make good business sense for the importers...

Having once worked in a larger Auckland pet store - I would say that some won't really know how to pack them for a long journey (don't have heat packs, don't add anything to the water and don't have oxygen on hand). I would stick to the specialists, like Hollywood Fish Farm, who have more knowledgeable staff on hand generally.

Hmm - I'd be interested to see a nice big school of tiger barbs, especially if they had a few obstacles to swim around. But then, being nippy, that limits other fish you could put in. I guess barbs, or cichlids, could make the tank look busy and colourful. Angels and gourami's more peaceful and slow moving...depends on the look that suits your office I guess. Anyway, looking forward to more updates. Great start...just wait till we all get on to the topic of the bracing on your tank!!

Correct. I can't say I've noticed much from a 110 litre tropical tank on the powerbill...

I turn off my lights, heater, filter and aerator overnight, weekends, and public holidays. Saves a bit.

Personally I don't see why you couldn't run the tank permanently on two large sponge filters. They are good for breeding/small fry and I have had success with them keeping water in good condition. I guess it just means being careful not to overload the tank or overfeed.

Go and buy some Prime from Seachem. It'll help.

Perhaps along with Caryl, I think it's best to keep it simple. Just keep the tank running for a few more weeks, do the odd water change, and if there's no great spike in ammonia or nitrite then add your next 4 fish. I don't use carbon, that's more about not wanting to buy more every month! If you think it helps your tank look clear, and you don't mind replacing it, then there's no harm keeping it in. Don't over-complicate things. Slow stocking, with hardy fish like platys, and regular water changes should be a successful way to start a nice community tank.

Well done Fee - for responding so graciously despite words like "idiots" being used about your staff. Mistakes happen, and sometimes others (such as importers or breeders) can make mistakes too - there's nothing more that can be done but to own up and apologise. I went in to World of Water once when passing through. I thought the staff were really nice.

I use Prime. Not regularly though. It can be used as a de-chlorinator, but I do not use it regularly in that way. However, when I have been cycling tanks, or had mini-cycles, I have simply done extra water changes and used Prime to detoxify the ammonia and nitrites. I have found this very successful as a combination. I often recommend to people struggling with ammonia and nitrite "just do some extra water changes and use some Prime". I would be keen to test Seachem's "Stability" sometime as I have also heard good reports.

Take heart. The start up is the hardest. After that, with a good water change regime and a few minutes each week fish keeping can be easy and enjoyable. Once the tank has cycled, it all gets less complicated. Hang in there.

I'd say cut the feeding down a little. You shouldn't have to clean up left over flakes after a few minutes, they should ideally be eaten. I think their advice is good - now you just need to wait it out.

Looks really good - colours work well together... I wonder if scoria is also useful for bacteria, given that it is porous?

Hi there's also "Lifestyle Pets" in Waiwakaiho. One of the big pet suppliers is in New Plymouth (Brooklands). Although you can't deal with them directly, it does mean any of the local stores should be able to order some fish in for you easily. Just ask at the store what fish are on the Brooklands lists - and you should have them soon enough. We lived in New Plymouth for a few years, and would happily return there if work allowed... Cheers Rob

Just 8 days? I would have been tempted to leave them without food for that long. Most probably would have coped. Ah well, live and learn...

I don't really test the tanks I look after (my own, and a local school and kindy). Unless something goes wrong, I know if I don't overfeed, look after the filters and do a water change none of the fish are especially "precious". You could try a once-a-month test if a local pet store does them free? Personally I would just test ammonia/nitrite if I was concerned, and KH/PH if I had difficult fish or plants. Otherwise, if you really do have hardy cichlids, don't worry about it. I'll let someone else give you another opinion...

You could walk the Foreshore - goes the length of NP now. Also Puke Ariki (museum) is worth a look, and free. You could drive around the mountain - would take about 2.5 hours driving time through little towns like Stratford, Opunake etc. Plenty of places to stop. A drive up Mt Taranaki...probably go up to the Egmont Visitor Centre, some good views IF you get a fine day. There's a few walks which start from there. If you go up the Stratford side on a fine day you can see Ruapehu. Inglewood Toy Museum or Pioneer Village Stratford could interest you. The main info centre is in Puke Ariki, so that is worth checking out first. Happy holidays.

Agree on Coburg Aquarium on Bell Street. Used to live close by - big store and lots to look at. Not too far from the city.