Duke3d

Thats what I want to read. Honest Testimonies. Don't hold back people as I am sure everyone has had different experiences but wouldn't it be good if a conclusion could be drawn from the end of this?

I want some people to jump in here with some opinions on their filters and how well they are working for them. I personaly own a Shark4 Internal filter, find it works well but would say I don't like it. They clog up very quickly and to me seem weak in regard to everything including clips are plastic - now I have to say this hasn't been a problem but it strikes me as a flaw. What I am looking for is a filter for a 400+ Tank. My reading is saying Aqua Clear are OK but also of this plastic type. Fluvals are also rated well but some think they are possibly over-priced compared to other models on market. Jebo?? Come on pros get in here and start name dropping - which filters are doing the job?

well I will have to get mine braced then - I thought there was more too it than that. Thanks for advice.

Thanks very much - that gives me a bit of confidence now. Now for the fun bit - painting - any volunteers?? I pay by beer (after the job obviously!!)........

Who can tell me if there is a "Safe paint" to paint in the same room as a tank. I believe fish have died by actually being in the same room as someone painting it. Does anybody know about water-based paint?

While we are talking about bracing...... My new tank is going to be 4'x2'x2' - 432litres made out of recycled 10mm glass. Can someone please advise whether these dimensions would require some sort bracing. Really showing my ignorance - how do you brace a tank? Simply a metal type brace straped around the tank?? Cheers

Great will do - thank you I am assuming this is to make my own - or do they join it etc for a fee. Anyway will try and ring them tomorrow

Timaru

Thank you for that. It is what I was thinking but I wanted to know if I was off track or not. Now to find that perfect deal...............

Not sure if I am allowed to mention sites and or links to sales but can someone tell me approx what would you spend on a 155x55x55 tank please to be made and/or bought made? Am seeing if this is a good deal or not before my impulsive side takes over!! Thank you

I think I will just get the mag at this stage if thats ok. $1.80 saving shouldn't worry me too much!!! But will definitely think about joining a club, but if i did it would probably be local - as i can see a huge benefit in "hands on teaching" and the buy sell swap network.

Sounds great. I too would like to subscribe to the mag, then contemplaint joining a club. Thank you everyone for continuing this on in my abscence.

I read somewhere on this site there is a magazine for the fish hobbyist. How do I subscribe etc please.

That was a quick response from you guys. Great start. Sorry Mystic I should have used the Ghost word - Black Ghost Knife fish - bit different to yours but definitely loved him all the same. Was only a small one about 8-10cm - but will definitely be getting another one!!! Well you guys have convinced me bigger is better - so bigger it shall be. Pegasus - who cares about seeing if there is room to fit the tank - its the room that has to alter to accomodate the tank!! Have sold my current house so am on the move, but will install a tank in my wall in next house - always fun doing something a bit different - I want it like some restaurants where you can look in from both sides. Shae please continue on your info. At present I have a Shark filter which I must say does do a good job, but it does clog up very regularly. I don't think my water is clear enough either - its clear but I am sure I can get it clearer so will do some research on the ones you mentioned. As far as heater I think I will install 2 as I am a bit worried of one breaking down when you aren't looking so to speak. Anyway will have a good read off that url if you find him. Caryl I have been looking on Trademe etc and yes have seen some good deals however the problem I am facing there seems to be they are all pick ups - mainly Auckland by the seems of things. I have spent most of my time at Redwood Aquatics in CHCH so may get them to make the tank - at least you know what you are getting. But ideally something will crop up locally. What a bugger the Timaru club has turned like that - not sure if you have put me off or not!!! Anyway will have to get in contact with mgilchrist and see what he knows around these parts. Again thanks for your thoughts peoples and keep the good info flowing. I can see this is going to be a regular reading place on the net for me!!! Cheers Paul

Hello everybody. Well I have spent the last few nights reading every topic I can find on here - yes there have been some quite late nights. Some real good informative stuff on here so keep it up - definitely a bonus for people like me getting unbiased advise from users as opposed to sellers. As far as fish I own - just your common community tank 130l. Favourite fish was my black knife fish however he died recently (owned for 4 months) - now I read that you cannot treat the water for skin diseases as these fish don't have scales. The real annoying thing here for me was I didn't treat the water because I had a problem - it was a preventative measure. Anyway will have to get another one as quite neat - definitely my pride and joy. Next on my list would be the Siamese Fighter and my Glass Cats. Anyway they are all popular to me - well I did choose them. Have another tank which is a hex shaped - forget how big, but has my goldfish in it - owned for 3 years so are getting to be a reasonable size. They are what started my interest in fish I guess. Few things that I would like to know please from anyone feeling knowledable. Is there a club in Timaru? Does anyone have any contact details for them? Have been thinking about buying a larger tank - figure will put goldfish in bigger tank, community tank in bigger one, and use the hex as a breeding/unsociable fish tank. Have been thinking about 300-400l tank. I have this impression that a larger tank like this is EASIER to keep than my current size - is this right or have I got the wrong end of the stick. When I say easier I mean in regards to the biological nature of a tank - isn't larger more stable. Apart from making my own tank - does anyone have one for sale around this size? Will also be needing the filters, lighting, heaters etc. Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Well thats probably enough annoying from me in my first post!!! All I have to say is keeping fish is stressful while relaxing, fun while annoying but mostly just plain interesting. Paul