http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:27:49 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59312&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:51:15 GMT Hey,

I've just set up my tank ready for a betta. It's an open topped tank though, and i've read that bettas are pretty good jumpers. I've got no real way of covering the top...so what do you recommend is the distance i should keep between the waterline and the top of the tank? To prevent any suicide attempts.

Thanks,

Sam ]]> General Fishkeeping samiam1292 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59312 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59310&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:03:54 GMT Hi,

I've just set up my second tank, a 30L wave tank. Plan is for it to be home to a betta.

I set it up today; Tetra Complete Substrate on the bottom, with a fine layer of gravel on top. Planted all of my plants, and now i'm wondering when i should start adding my EasyCarbo and Profito?

I think i read on another thread that i should only start adding the easycarbo and profito when i can notice that my plants need it. But surely it's better to make it available to the plants before they have deficiencies?

Thanks for any advice,

Sam ]]> General Fishkeeping samiam1292 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59310 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59305&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:02:45 GMT This might sound a little silly but I read somewhere that a good thing to keep your fish entertained is to put a ping pong ball in the tank and let... This might sound a little silly but I read somewhere that a good thing to keep your fish entertained is to put a ping pong ball in the tank and let them bump it around. Does this seem like a good idea?

My only concerns are the cleanliness of it (I'd buy a new one) and the chemicals that go into making it could be bad for this fish? Also are they waterproof? (I think they are!)

Thanks, ]]> General Fishkeeping tummelv http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59305 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59300&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:14:51 GMT hi my name is tom i bought 2 blood parrots the other week and all they have done today is circle each other and lock jaws. can anyone help ive heard... hi my name is tom
i bought 2 blood parrots the other week and all they have done today is circle each other and lock jaws.
can anyone help ive heard of some cichids locking jaws before breeding but i have no idea with parrots.
thanks
tom ]]> General Fishkeeping tomk2u http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59300 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59269&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:02:12 GMT Simple problem: I want to have 25°C in one of my aquariums. How hard could it be? Well... it proves to be impossible. I have 3 “high precision”... Simple problem:
I want to have 25°C in one of my aquariums. How hard could it be? Well... it proves to be impossible.
I have 3 “high precision” thermometers according to their manufacturers and just as many results reading the water temperature. I measured the temperature in the same point in the aquarium at the same time and there is no chance that the water column actually has different temperatures in different points just because I use two strong power heads. All the thermometers where immersed for longer than 60 minutes.

Results:
JBL 23.8°C alcohol new
Hagen Marina 25.0°C electronic in use for 18 months but having brand new batteries
Hailea 24.6°C electronic new

At this point fine-tuning my Jager heater is a bit ambitious! What do you suggest and do you feel “high precision” is the right attribute describing these very simple instruments? Thanks! Regards! ]]> General Fishkeeping qntt http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59269 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59268&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:57:52 GMT Hi this is mainly aimed at the Goldie keepers but applies to trops and marines as well, does it frustrate the hell out of you the number of threads... Hi this is mainly aimed at the Goldie keepers but applies to trops and marines as well, does it frustrate the hell out of you the number of threads started by a newbie who on advice of LFS has 2/3 Goldies in a 20litre tank. They come on asking for advice, the standard answer to that advice is "but the LFS said it was ok" (obviously its a shock to them to be told they need a tank at least 5x bigger) they then question the advice given "because the fish are tiny" and then they dont post again. I know there are lots who heed the great advice given here and upgrade but how many others do you think actually return their fish to the LFS and how many think "bunch of idiots, they are only fish" and then wonder why they are buying new fish every couple of weeks.
The thing that gets my back up even more is the odd ones who seem to believe that, although the members on here have nothing to gain by advising other than hopefully saving another fishy life, the advice is complete tripe and they continue the argument until it dissolves into an insult slinging match.
To be honest after reading some threads I wonder how some of our more experienced members keep thier temper, I am so often tempeted to reply along the lines of "You total halfwit, you asked for help in the first place and now you seem to think you are the expert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Sorry for the long post but been quiet here this morning and I have been trawling through lots of old threads and my blood pressure has been slowly rising LOL.
So does it make you sad/frustrated/angry and does it sometimes make you wonder why you bother trying to help? ]]> General Fishkeeping stevecockram http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59268 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59267&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:23:50 GMT With the rising prices of this o-so addictive hobby, I've been wondering lately if it's theasable to use pond treatments in aquariums.
I've got my eye on Interpet Freshstart (Pond), a water dechlorinator.
I do my water changes once a week, 10-20% on both tanks which means my current bottle of Aquasafe only lasts about a month and then it's another £10.

I could buy this pond treatment for £6 which treats up to (smallest bottle) 1,125L, of course providing I measure it properly. I'm assuming it would only be something like 5 drops per a bucket, but the think of the savings.

I was also thinking about doing this for plant fertiliser. Obviously this would be alot more dangerous in terms of overdosing and algae, but still, worth a thought.

Anyone have any experience which this matter?
Either that or can recommend some pond treatments?

Also, please be aware that I will not be doing this for fish treatments, E.g Protozin; just water treatment. ]]> General Fishkeeping VaegaVic http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59267 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59260&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:02:54 GMT I'm really confused about whether I should leave the carbon in my filter or not, and thought I'd see what the general consensus is on here!! I'm rubbish at making decisions!! Here's the story so far;

I have an AquaOne 850 tank with an external filter which came with the tank. It's excellent for filtration so no worries there, has 2 large baskets with ceramic media in the bottom, then a black sponge layer, then a carbon pad with white filter wool on. I have always used the carbon, and I know the arguments about it possibly leaching into the water what it's adsorbed - but I know this doesn't happen, so am not worried about this. But, I have been curious as to what effect it would have on the water if I stopped using the carbon, as I've read loads of people don't think it's necessary.

So, 2 weeks ago I replaced one of the carbon pads with a fine wool pad instead, leaving only 1 carbon pad running. I've noticed that the water isn't as clear as it usually is now though, so am thinking about adding back in the other carbon pad. Any thoughts on this? I also wonder what the effects are on Phosphate levels in the water as I've read, again with conflicting info, that carbon can leach phosphates into the water? What effect, is any, do phosphates have on fish? Again, I've read conflicting info on this!

Thanks for any thoughts and advice you may have on this. ]]> General Fishkeeping Miss Pennyapple http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59260 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59244&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:02:54 GMT I bought 4 redline torpedo barbs about 2 weeks ago and put them into quarantine. I noticed as soon as I got them home that one only had part of a... I bought 4 redline torpedo barbs about 2 weeks ago and put them into quarantine. I noticed as soon as I got them home that one only had part of a tail. Within 2 days it was clear that something more was wrong as his tell had white cotton wool like substance on it and unlike the other 3 he wasn't so lively. Anyway I had a dilema as I didn't want to treat healthy fish but I did not have a seperate tank, so I did what I know I shouldn't do which was put the other 3 in the main tank. They have been fine as have the other fish.

Anyway, I started treatment for fin rot and after 2 days his tail fin finally disappeared altogether. I was told that it was more likely a bacterial problem so I did a water change and put in a carbon filter in for 2 days to clear the fin rot med then started on Myxazin which finished yesterday. Apart from the fact he has no tail fine he looks fine. there doesn't seem to be a problem with the stump and he seems to be colouring up a bit better as well.

Anyway my hosp tank is small and he is clearly stressed being in there as he is on his own and in a small tank. How soon, now he has been treated, can I reunite him with his chums? I know they should be in quarantine for 4 weeks but he's been [retty well treated and amazingly survived I would like to get him into the big tank asap.

Cheers

Angela ]]> General Fishkeeping GrubbyGirl http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59244 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59237&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:43:41 GMT Hi all,

Well, have finally got the filter actually pumping etc. now, it's been running for a good few hours. However, the only problem is, every 10/15 seconds, very regularly, it makes a funny noise and chucked a load of bubbles out of the spray bar. If I look closely at the piping flowing to inlet valve, I can see little bubbles flowing fast down it, which I'm assuming is air getting into the filter which isn't supposed to get there? One of the parts had a small crack in it, but we're pretty sure that's now 100% sealed, but if it's not that, then I'm assuming it has to be another tiny gap somewhere around where the water's being taken in that is allowing air in?

The only other thing is, there is a break in the canister 'o' ring, and there is no impeller cover 'o' ring. These are on order and due to arrive tommorow, but if air is getting into the filter through the inlet pipe and is causing a problem that way, then I guess replacing these may not make any difference?

Thanks for reading, any help/advice appreciated :)

Pete ]]> General Fishkeeping petey6139 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59237 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59236&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:42:36 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivstO1Nv0rY&feature=popular

This video is truly awful, as are the comments. Could someone with a YouTube account please sign in and report it please? YouTube seems to bring the worst out in people's treatment of fish and other animals. ]]> General Fishkeeping ara04tk http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59236 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59234&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:34:50 GMT Simple question. I have a book on the different fish but only on a few occasions does it give the lifespan of the fish. Is there a website which... Simple question. I have a book on the different fish but only on a few occasions does it give the lifespan of the fish. Is there a website which lists the typical lifespan of the various species or anyone recommend a book with a comprehensive coverage of most fish, size habits lifespan etc ]]> General Fishkeeping Steve1903 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59234 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59228&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:26:51 GMT Hi, I have a number of subadult BN who could do with a new home. I was sold the breeding pair as Ancistrus dolichopterus, but cant guarentee.... Hi, I have a number of subadult BN who could do with a new home. I was sold the breeding pair as Ancistrus dolichopterus, but cant guarentee. Collect only I am afraid. If not they will go the LFS as normal. ]]> General Fishkeeping simoma http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59228 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59219&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:11:21 GMT i should like to have some fish for the upper layers of my tank, as the tank is full, but seems still at the top. so any opinions would be very... i should like to have some fish for the upper layers of my tank, as the tank is full, but seems still at the top.
so any opinions would be very appreciated :D ]]> General Fishkeeping JackGillett http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59219 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59215&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:05:17 GMT ****Apply Rant Mode**** For many generations we called them Plecs. Then we suddenly started calling them Plecos, because the Americans told us to... ***Apply Rant Mode***

For many generations we called them Plecs.
Then we suddenly started calling them Plecos, because the Americans told us to (is this what happened or did we just decide that Plec wasn't working as an abbreviation?)
So why? What's the point of taking a perfectly good abbreviation and adding an extra syllable on the end?
Soon we will be calling them Plecostos, then Plecostoms, then finally Plecostomus.
Then we will feel the need for an abbreviation, so will we go back to Plecs?
Hoorayyyyyyyy.
Cant'wait.

***Cancel Rant Mode***

Enjoy your plecs !! ]]> General Fishkeeping blackghost http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=59215