aquabrain

I believe a teaspoon would be too big to measure with. Usually, all you need is a few crystals for a large bucket. I prefer to go by color: you want water that is dark pink - not light pink or deep purple. Then soak for 15-20 min and rinse in clean water.

You may find this page helpful. It also lists other methods for plant dips, along with their pro's and con's.

Really cool tank Which camera are you using?

Looks gorgeous How long did it take you to make?

Good luck and have an awesome trip! We are rooting for you.

Hey, I had to get volunteer hours in high school, too. Dave let me help at the CAS auctions, it was great.

Val - Yeah I know but it'd break my heart when they gets put down ;_;

There are a few no-kill societies in Calgary. I think Meow Foundation is one of them. They usually require at least 6 months of commitment, though. The Killarney cat hospital was also looking for volunteers, and they ask for at least 2hrs/month.

Dunno if we're talking about the same bugs, but...

I've always had some sort of little white bugs in all of my established tanks. I'm sure most people have them, they just never look too closely. I think they must feed on detritus or infusoria, or something. They're definitely harmless, though. In fact, I observed my platy fry eating them a few times.

So I finally have some fish that are getting on in years. My gold tetras are 5+ years, and my Siamese flying fox is pushing 7. Happy to say they're all still going strong... more or less. However, this question did come to mind: what are the signs of an ageing aquarium fish? Do they just have lower immunity? Or is there some other way to tell by just looking?

There doesn't seem to be much info on this subject. So... would anyone care to share their experiences on this matter?

i am guessing you liked the color and energy your cichlids had as that is one of my favorite things about them too... if i had to get something else i would try and get some rainbow fish they look similar in alot of ways and some have AMAZING color to them.... and they wont destroy any fins... but thats just what i would do, then again i would also get a bigger tank :P lol

Rainbowfish seem a good possibility. And who wouldn't want a bigger tank? Except that I need a home with a stronger floor first, haha...

if you want to go with a long finned fish to 'match' the plecos i would recommend long fin rosy barbs.

Rosy barbs are a really good idea I've never thought of. And I'm a sucker for long fins

Thanks for your awesome ideas everyone!!

Recently, I've sold my electric yellows, because they were shredding up my plecos (even the huge regular ones). Though not a cichlid fan, I miss them and my 44G feels really empty now So, I'm searching for new tankmates that won't bother my long-finned bristlenoses and would do well in Calgary water. Any suggestions/advice?

Other fish that currently live in the tank are 2 gold tetras, 2 black skirt tetras, and a Siamese flying fox.

Thanks for your help.

Hello and welcome

Hope you'll like it here and contribute your experience at the DIY section!

Thanks a lot! Though my "handywoman" skills need improving, before contributing at DIY section

Welcome to the Forum! What are you studying?

Thanks for the welcome I'm currently studying Animal Biology at University of BC. Hoping to enter veterinary medicine soon...

Hello! I'm your average university student from Calgary, who's been enjoying the fish hobby for 8 years. Currently, I only have a 44g tank with 2 gold tetras, 2 black skirts, 2 bristlenoses, common plecos, a yellow lab, and one spunky flying fox. I'll probably stock it up in the near future.

I don't post on the forum much, but I read lots. Currently addicted to the DIY section. Looking to get to know you awesome folks here