On Sunday we drove past the Hollywood Fish Farm in Mt Roskill and had to make a stop. After the great pH debacle (lost six fish) the tank was looking more than a little empty and it wasn’t hard to convince Si that we need some more fish (he enjoys looking at the tank, but doesn’t like any of the maintenance or feeding needed).

Mase wanted to check that Big Clary was still alive (he is on a morbid drive at the moment). She/He was. Phew. I don’t want to be having that conversation – which I nearly did after Z casually commented that BC would feed a small family (he’s right, but it wasn’t the right place or time to open his mouth!).

This store is so relaxing. There are marine, cold water, tropical (high or standard ph) and turtle set-ups. Like Animates, you can buy a huge range of extra stuff but the fish range is a bit wider. I FINALLY got myself a Port Hoplo catfish (I’ve been wanting one for about 2 years). B chose a shark – I did manage to talk him out of another Red Tailed with the help of the sales assistant (they are more aggressive than other small tropical sharks) so he had a specific Rainbow in mind. Si chose dwarf gouramis but as they are reasonably expensive we’re going to get another two next month – he came home with a Cobalt Blue which shimmers beautifully. He looks grumpy as tho – like the cat!

All three seem to have settled in nicely, eating and not hiding in the caverns of the plane. It’s nice to see some more colour in there. The kids have already named them – Spot, Sharkie & Blue. No points for guessing which is which.

Perhaps as it is St Paddy’s day we should have brought in something green…