The yellow and regal tangs grow to over 20cm in length and would require a tank nearer 400 litres. They require quite a bit of space to swim around in and will get easily stressed if this isnt available to them. I'd avoid the tangs for now. Also, im not sure how well different species of angelfish get along with each other, so it might be worth doing a bit of internet research and see how compatible the ones you want are.

Regards, Stu.

Also read on one site that someone had one True Percula clown, and one Ocellaris clown and that they paired up together. Is that even possible or is it most likely to be a load of cobblers?

I have had a pair of True Percula Clowns for six months now. When I bought them six months ago they were about 2cm in length and I added them together in the hopes they would pair up. Unfortunately disaster struck last night and one of the pair decided to swim through my overflow and ended up in my sump where it unfortunately died (I didn't think the gap was big enough for any of my fish to fit through).

If I buy a replacement and introduce it, will it eventually pair up with the remaining one or is my remaining clown too big now (its about 5cm long now). I have seen different bits of advice in various books/ websites. Some say they will only pair if they are introduced at the same time and some say they will be fine so long as they are still under 6cm in length.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should introduce the two? I was thinking of putting the new fish into my quarantine tank, then after a couple of weeks adding my current fish to the quarantine tank and letting the two familiarise themselves for a few weeks before adding them both to my main tank at the same time.

Advice/ suggestions greatly appreciated.

Stuart.

If cost is an issue you could always buy a tank & stand second hand from eBay. You can make a big saving buying second hand. Then if you feel your DIY skills are up for it you could try making your own sump made to measure to fit inside the stand. I got a 3ft Eheim tank and stand for £90 on ebay in excellent condition. Then went to a local Glaziers and got some offcuts of glass for £25 (all cut to size with bevelled edges) and some silicone for £5. Im sure Ive seen some instructions how to construct it somewhere on FK. If youve got the time to do it yourself you can save a fair few £££'s.

Stu

I had a similar problem about two months ago with a film of algae covering almost everything despite weekly 20% water changes. After taking advice from several people on this forum I reduced the amount I was feeding (only as much food as could be consumed in two minutes). I also purchased a phosphate test kit and found my levels to be very high, so added a 'PHOSZORB' bag (easily available on ebay etc for around £8) next to my skimmer outlet and found this reduced the phosphate levels within a fortnight. The algae levels soon dropped and came back under control.

Stuart.

Wow, thats great news.

Yeah I think polystyrene is a thermo plastic. I wish I had paid closer attention in DT lessons at school now. Oh well, lesson learnt... Best go order some glass then :)

Thanks for the help guys.

Stuart.

Good thread ch57evy.

I have two Humbug Damsels called Scrooge and Mint, Two Percula Clowns called Nemo (of course) and Pearl, a Midas Blenny called Benny, a cleaner shrimp called Jaques, a Scarlet Hermit called Crazy Joe (from Disneys shark tale), and lastly a Blue Starfish called Patrick. Thats the crew so far.

Stuart.

Afternoon all,

I am planning on making a sump for my marine tank out of Polystyrene sheet. I have cut and prepared all the pieces, but am stumped as to what glue to use at the joints. I have done some test pieces using hot glue, sealant and a non solvent based Bostic glue, but none of them seem to have the strength required. I am also weary about using any glue which will not withstand exposure to salt water or that may release toxins/ solvents into the water.

If anyone has any previous experience building tanks or sumps out of polystyrene and can offer any advice on what glues they used I'd really appreciate it. The other alternative is that I start again and make it out of glass, but it seems a bit of a waste as I've already got all the polystyrene sheet cut to shape.

In hindsight I should probably have looked into this BEFORE I purchased and cut the plastic, but hey, I always did like learning the hard way.

Stuart.

I'm well jealous! I was staying in Sydney for several months at the beginning of last year. Absolutely loved every minute of it. If you like Italien food check out Alfredo, Bulletin Place, Sydney (at the side of the Marriot Hotel). The food there is amazing!

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Stuart.