Beware!!!

When working on tanks outside, whether it be repairing them or water testing them BEWARE of neighbours spraying with Baygon!!!

AARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be Prepared for Tank Emergencies

At some point in the aquarium hobby we all end up with a tank that leaks or cracks. It can be a very messy, stressful experience with water everywhere, tank decorations and plants being ripped out while trying to rescue your fish, and don't forget about the powerboard or electricity source being compromised.

The best advice I can offer is to be prepared.

Years ago I went through the experience of a 3 foot tank cracking in the middle of the night and found myself woefully not equipped to deal with it quickly and efficiently. That night I learnt I needed to have an emergency plan in case it ever happened again. (which of course it has lol)

The biggest factor is to know where everything is and have it handy. Empty buckets left stacked in the same place helps, as does having your aquarium nets hanging close by. Investing in one or two 60 litre plastic garbage bins can be a life saver as can having lots of buckets.

When the tank is discovered leaking, grab the plastic garbage bin, put as much water as you can from the leaking tank and then add your fish. The water in the bin can be topped up with aged tap water later if need be, but for now at least your fish are safe and in their 'normal' tank water. (less stress for them) Plants go in one bucket, rocks/driftwood/decorations go in another, pumps/filters/heater in another and then gravel from the tank goes into the last couple.

When things have calmed down you can always go back to the fish in the bin to add airstones and a heater if necessary. Just remember to watch the temperature of the water.

Everything is orderly, safe from contaminates and instead of panicking you implemented a plan of action. Plus the bonus is your fish have a temporary "tank" till the broken one is fixed or replaced ;)

My New 4' Tank

I was checking out Petlink classifieds when I stumbled across a 4ft tank for $20 AND it was a local pickup - the catch was the tank needs a minor patch up with some silastic on one side. Which is pretty easy to do. Lucky for me I already have silastic left over from another tank repair job.

I rang to find out if the tank was still available, it was, the guy tells me I can have it for nothing, then rang Ruth to ask if she could help me out with transport, which she could. So rang the guy back to tell him tomorrow at 10 and he offers to bring it over for me lol

So I scored a 4 foot tank in need of minor repair for $0 AND even got it home delivered!

My angels are looking out for me as always!

1.45am Surprise

Woke up in the middle of the night to a weird sounding noise, got up to investigate, and found that one of the tanks was leaking with only one third water left in it! Dammit.

So rescuing fish, emptying the tank, taking out the gravel, mopping the floor is just what you want to do in the middle of the night, right?... NOT!

In my experience tanks much prefer cracking/breaking/leaking in the early hours of the morning. Why is that? *sighs*

Welcome

Welcome to my blog, Fishy Obsession.

My fish obsession started back when I was 4. I was presented with my first pair of guppies, which were placed at the far end of the kitchen bench. Here I spent many an hour perched on a dining room chair, mesmerised.

For me it was love at first sight.

From that time on our family always had a community tank set up. I got to observe all different kinds of community fish – from the livebearers; guppies, mollies, platies and swordtails, to varieties of tetras, to species of catfish, scissor tails, paradise fish, sharks and the like.

Aquarium shops were & are my second home. Amongst all the tank bubbles, humming filters and UV lights, life’s gamut of emotions & responsibilities are drowned out & all that’s left is me. The real me. I am still that 4 year old girl mesmerised by her first pair of guppies but now I have my own money & my own fishy limitations, or lack there of. :P

The aim of this blog is to note my experiences, share the trials & tribulations, to celebrate successful breedings, record fry/juvenile growth and to discuss & learn all things fishy.