melbournebetta

Check Classifides for a current ad with lovely lil Killis

looks amazing, I like the hardscape layout too, gives it a depth that you can see a clear path between all of the rocks. shrimps would look great in this tank

only possible resolution: moar animated giffage.

oh my god how awesome is that pepsi bottle substrate distribution device!

ooOOooOOOoooOOoooooooo that'd be a-MAZE-ing (couldnt help it) Yeah I've always liked the idea of long runs for the kids that are just jarred instead of - well - jar shapes. I'm in perfect denial that it's something I need to be thinking about soon. Think i might just outsource, Joan's got a few hairy spare tanks............... Jess? what's her tanks doing? hmm... delegate to the megamax! Getting the paint right is the first step - and thank GOD there's no glitter involved. (sorry Sarah)

Pee Ess

Amazing job J - You know me, I do love a good bloody tank flavored DIY thread! I'll definately be painting the back of all my tanks black (just the rear, not the sides) for my new setup... it looks so smart! Subscape have all their backgrounds (adhered) black, as the colour of the fish and plants really pop when you have good overhead lighting. White might wash them out - but try it first with paper Matt, could look really nice and minimal. It's also handy cos it hides the cords and powerboards tucked away (y'all know what I mean!) Nice one - can't wait to see it painted and planted!

painful but true - my display and breeder tanks are all full of *nice* plants - but then the junk tank in the sunroom (in the grow out) is getting natural light and sprawling.

Its really odd, I never had algae prior to this... Some of the net research tells me that green algae is caused by excess light.... The brown is caused by a lack (totally simplified) Found this link helpful: http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/algae/a/attackalgae.htm (from that site) What Causes Algae Overgrowth? Like any plant life, algae thrive on three basic necessities: water, sunlight and nutrients. If an excess of any are available, algae will grow like wildfire, just like weeds growing in a garden. Types of algae: Already have algae in your aquarium, and need to get rid of it? Knowing the type of algae will help determine the cause and cure. Here are commonly seen algae types, and how to deal with them. For more information about a specific type, click on the link provided. Brown, also known as Gravel or Silica algae. Common in new tanks, it will coat the tank in sheets, which are easily wiped off. It is usually harmless and will eventually go away as the tank matures. Blue-Green, also known as Slime or Smear algae – Caused by excesses of nitrates and phosphates, this is actually not an algae at all. Instead it is a cyanobacteria. It can spread rapidly, and can cause considerable damage. Good water care will help, but if your water source has phosphates in it, you may have to use special treatments to remove the excess nutrients. Erythromycin is also effective against Blue-Green algae. Red or Beard algae – This one is the toughest algae to get rid of, and usually appears on plants. A dip in weak bleach solution (5 to 10%) for a few minutes will often kill this algae. Green, also known as Hair, Thread, or Spot algae – This is a normal healthy type of algae that every tank will most likely experience in some degree. As long as the tank is well cared for, it will not overgrow. Green Water, also known as Algae Bloom – This is caused by growth of microscopic algae that are suspended in the water. It is one of the more frustrating types of algae to remove, as can't be wiped or scraped off like other algae. Generally water changes are not effective, as the remaining algae will quickly grow back. Use of a diatomic filter, or completely blocking all light for several days is usually necessary to conquer green water.

You got your work cut out! I love the look of it...

Swerving DANGEROUSLY back on topic I've never had an alge problem.... until my 3 footer with the turq spawn kids, and lots of natural light - I also have a fluro in there (T5) that's probably on for too long. While I need to look at what causes algae - JArrod, how did you dose this safely so it didn't strip the scales off your fush?

you'se lot have gone plant mad - looks amazing J. Love the little ladies in there - I think I can pick one from each of your spawn logs! just lovely.

Hi Steve, this will be brief as I am in a food coma from the days festivities... looking forward to hearing more about your brood - sounds good - is it time you had a Betta? I should think so! -Ness

This is fantastic! pretty spunky setup!

Gudday Perry (sorry, overt Aussie accent is probably not necessary ) Good to have you here - great to see amongst other things, you're a photographer - we're GLUTS for imagery. We'd love to meet some of your fishy mates. Welcome to the forum.

thanks razzi and gang, appreciate the appreciation, if you appreciate what i'm sayin'..... My Salamanders have given me your thanks in the form of a surprise nest and tails, they had a decoy nest out the front, and the real thing up the back, only noticed it last night ! Thanks you guys & thanks for convincing the Salamanders to f2 for me! (6 weeks later) you'se rock !

This looks like fish heaven - what a really lovely setup Les.... can't wait to watch it grow (and what a score - i love hard rubbish!)

pop it on gumtree or craigs list - even out on the front lawn - I had a 4ft tank on my front lawn with the most enormous crack in the front - lasted 30 mins!!

your call - how hard is it to find cheap tanks on ebay in your area? I've scored a few 3 footers for $20-$50 - they need scrubbing beyond imagination - but el cheapo. Otherwise - get some glass cut for around $20 and get that silicone gun out.

How exciting, really happy for you- I'll let you lead by example! I've got fingers crossed my black beauties aren't all cranky ladies! x

Ash - Yeah Justin is amazing - they do lots of custom tanks for the Zoo / Melb Aquarium and all sorts of breeding enclosures for Snakes and Turtles etc... the boy knows what he's doing. We're developing a modular betta barracks - should be nearly done by early 2012. Roy - Nah - this is Justin's shop setup, all custom made, and pretty efficient - they do a great job keeping the fish in top quality water... I did a little bit of sprucing yesterday, but it was more about re-arranging fish and plants. I should do a little write up on the progress of those modular tanks too!! Just nice to see some Aussie Betta available!! x

A little shameless promotion, but it's relevant and EXCITING! For the first time I've seen in any of my Local Fish Stores, Australian-Bred Halfmoon Betta are being showcased in a dedicated barracks at Subscape Aquarium. There are a handful of A grade and B grade Single males or Breeding pairs - along with the regular Crowntails and Veiltails. Thanks once again to Justin (le owner) for supporting local breeders and the keeping of rare fish. Eventually video and photos of available A grade fish will be posted on this thread.... for now it's just a taste! Subscape Aquarium - 310-312 Victoria St Richmond VIC 3121 Mon - Tue:10:00 am-6:00 pmThu - Sun:10:00 am-6:00 pm xx Ness

Such great photos Matt! How exciting... you'll have to practise hatching BBS too... ugh - hate bbs. Better luck to you than I've had! x