My Setup

[Gooch]

Thanks 4 the advice
I just changed the top 4 sponges as they were filthy.

The filter itself stopped working shortly after I got the tank so I had to get a new pump for it. The motor burnt out I think... I am lucky that the local pet store had a pump in store so was only without the filter an hour or so. It's working fine now.

 

[fluttermoth]

In future don't change the sponges, just rinse them through in some old tank water. There's nothing wrong with dirty sponges, as long as they're not clogged (in which case, rinse them through); that's where all your good bacteria live

 

[Gooch]

That's ok. I'll do that. I've noticed a huge improvement in the older fishes behaviour since. Especially the 2 platys. They were very still and unhappy but are swimming around vigorously now and seem to be a far healthier colour.

 

[Llegmore]

Watch out for your betta and red tailed shark. When I had the two together, my betta would follow my red tailed round all day, nipping at his tail occasionally. Lenny, bless him, put up with it with the patience of a saint but he would occasionally get fed up and take a chunk out of the betta. Anyhow...it may just be my individuals.

Tis a great tank! I'm sure that you're fishies will perk up soon.