Quote Originally Posted by Mentat View Post
Wow an analog thermometer for $20? Can you order from Amazon (they have digital combos for $15 http://www.amazon.com/Terra-Digital-Combination-Thermometer-Hygrometer?
Everything is more expensive here. Probably because it has to be shipped half-way around the world first... Fluker's digital thermo/hygro is around NZ$70. ReptileOne is $45, and the Trixie one is $32, but I'm not familiar with that brand. Most of the time, whatever I save by buying on Amazon, I lose in postage, so I'll have to keep my eyes open for a free-post sale or something.

The foam filter is a compact internal water filter powered by an aquarium air pump. They come in many sizes and for your set-up a small flat one (like no. 1 on link) will work nice.
Okay, I'll look into that, thanks.

A "kitchen baster" or a small "Gravel Vac" could help with water changes. Vacs with a squeeze bulb start are better because they prevent you from getting a mouthful of dirty water .
Ha, now - kitchen baster I can do. :-D I'll grab one today or tomorrow (don't know why I didn't think of that, duh!). Hopefully a gravel vac (they seem to start at $30) will fit into the budget at some point.

Thank you again for all your help!