Aquatopia

WASP I have to admit, although you probably meant your comment in a light-hearted way, it definitely came across as b****y rude ! Im not surprised you got the reply you did, lol. Everyone makes mistakes, and this thread proves that you never know who reads them. :-? Still - you have apologised, which is more than many would do. Incidentally i have a blue sponge if you want to buy one for your tank - rarely seen in marine circles, this is the ultimate for the enthusiastic aquarist. Its even shaped like a christmas tree - how much would you offer ? More than $20 ......

Hey Suphew - im probably wrong but i thought majano were always short stemmed (and they dont look like aiptasia as they tentacles look too thick - but then the "breeding profusely" bit is a concern - most anemones we want are far less helpful, lol

Cheers Ira - i KNEW there was something i overlooked. Anyone got any ehfisubstrat going cheap ? Lol

Just seen this auction on trade-me - interesting at the least. Does anyone think it would work ? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Pets-animals/Fish/Other/auction-52892875.htm

Hi I am setting up a freshwater system for guppies and will be using a large external canister filter. It has half a tray of noodles, one full tray with foam and the other is free. I have a few kilos of ocean rock that i was going to use in a marine set up but that is on hold - was wondering if i broke it up whether it would be as good as say ehfisubstrat or similar media ? Thanks

Now its experience like that which make this site invaluable. This has been a brilliant thread. Caryl - can i come up for tea and see it when its finished ? Anything to get out of Christchurch for a while....

auto top-up ??

sounds great !! apart from the ytd !

Yeh why is it that you can edit in some places and not in others ?

ok at least tease us with a stocklist

shaneo - pics dude - where are the pics?

Very good point Shaneo - but again it depends on what you are hoping to do - so many variables again. For example, it costs no more to set up a 3' (sorry to those people who cant convert, thats 914.4mm) tank with canister filtration, and some decorative rocks with a pair of clownfish than it does to set up a tropical freshwater system.

SORRY - Didnt realise this was going to be a full scale discussion on doing a setup - its been done before and no-one could agree then either. Ultimately there is no such thing as an ideal starter setup because there are too many variables. But if you really MEAN starter then no-one at that stage should consider a 2' tank. Raeh1 - i seem to recall the problems you had with water quality when you first started and that was with a bigger tank wasnt it? Why would you think then that a smaller tank is suitable for a starter ?

2' is achievable but really too small for a starter. Brianemone has a lot of experience and knows what to do quickly if theres a problem in his tank. 3' allows a larger margin for error. Plus its a reasonable size to be used as a sump when the starter wants to upgrade.

I couldnt see any bracing on the top of the tank - would those metal uprights be doing the job i suppose ?

Lol - she should be happy - you made her a plunge pool !!! :bounce:

Cool - piccies will be great

Build it anyway and prove her wrong Ira :lol: and she will love you for it when she sees the masterpiece...

Thats a lovely sofa Caryl - you could turn it into a swing to finish the project off ! :-? Just kidding - am enjoying reading this thread - makes me want to move and get a big garden (for the swimming pool and pond and waterfall and kennels......). Cant wait till its all done. Keep up the good work.

If its not waterlogged should you have put it in the tank? I always thought you should soak and boil a log before using it in the tank.

Im probably being very blind but what is the black thing at the top of the tank that looks like a rorzacs inkblott ?

Who would believe he has achieved that with 6 T5's ! Very impressive

Hi - im not suggesting places outdoors, but if you end up buying driftwood then "do the rounds" as some places charge heaps more than others. From memory Organisms have some excellent driftwood at great prices but its always worth checking all the usual suspects. Remember to clean it all well and especially so if you get it "au naturel". Driftwood especially should be well and truly boiled to kill any nasties.

Warren - totally understand what you are getting at, and im pleased to hear that commercial members are still welcome to post in the context of being a knowledgable hobbyist.

Feelers - Perfectly put mate ! Im sure most of us are just like you and capable of reading posts from commercial members (who also happen to be here as hobbyists too in the main) and extrapolating useful information and ignoring the "blurb". I agree with the mods when they want to stop slanging matches between those with opposing commercial interests, but this should not require them not to post on non-commercial forums completely.