neild

Wellwashed river sand should cause no problems although it will probably pack down hard and could lead to anaerobic areas in it

Thanks Peter if you need more explicit directions get in touch.My first visit to the Tokaanu swamp was with the Waikato club some years ago and I believe they still go there from time to time

One of the best sites for information on both exotic and native freshwater fish in NZ is www.niwa.cri.nz/rc/freshwatewr/fishatlas/fish finder.I do not know of any wild populations of Paradise Fish in NZ but if any one does I would like to hear from them.There were swordtails in a stream at the Taupoend of the Napier Taupo road but last time I was there didnt find any.There are still mollies in a swamp a little west of Turangi

Wiil do that Andrew . Thanks

I agree with Pegasus that dolomite will help buffer the pH as will crushed oyster shell but I feel that you really need to find out the cause if the ph continues to wander.Even if your tap water is acidic once it is corrected it should stay that way.To continually have to adjust it by adding buffering solutions to the tank is to subject your fish to stress that does not help their well being.Driftwood,filter material,over feeding ,overcrowding could all be contributing factors.

This is a belated introduction but better late than never.Ihave been interested and worked with aquariums etc for over 40 years.I was a founder member of the Auckland Fishkeepers Assoc and am a life member of that club.I have had several fish rooms in that time and bred fish for over 20 years.I was an early member of the N.Z.K.A.and have given talks on numerous occasions over the years to the Auckland clubs (when there were 7)and clubs out of Auckland and written numerous articles on all aspects of fish keeping for local club magazines and other publications.I have not kept many fish over the past few years due to a serious illness but have kept in touch through talks and judging,having become a FNZAS A grade judge 20 + years ago.My main interest in the hobby now is passing on information to less experienced fishkeepers and continuing to study fish in general.As we also have a motorhome we spend part of our time travelling around this beautiful country of ours.