Archer: microlepis or chatareus?

trixx

trixx

trixx
May 24, 2007
30
0
0
Good Day All!

I've had my Archer for nearly 3 years (since he was wee). He currenlty has resides (& rules) in a 27 gallon tank...I know this is small for him, however, we are moving in six months & he'll be upgraded to a 150 gal. tank (perhaps bigger).
I've entered the complete details under my "tank setup" section.

I have a couple of issues:

1.) I'm attempting to determine if my Archer is a microlepis or chatareus so I can provide him w/ the most appropriate water conditions for his long term health (I understand the latter prefers more salinity). I believe him to be microlepis based on my research from this site: (http://homepage.mac.com/nmonks/aquaria/brackfaqpart3.html)
Any further input would be greastly appreciated (pics. attached).

2.) I suspect I may have "old tank syndrome":
My set-up is approx. 1.5 yrs old.
• hydrometer reads 1.000 (barely brackish)
• ammonia: 0ppm
• pH: 7.4
• nitrite: 0.1
• nitrate: 110 (?!?!)
I've ordered a "Hagen Master Test Kit", so I can obtain full details on the water chemistry.

I did a 30% water change today and the nitrates didn't budge. What is the best way to proceed lowering them? How long should I wait before testing again? (I've obsessivly tested it three times today).
I vac. gravel three weeks ago w/ 35-40% water change then.

Thanks for taking the time w/ me!

IMG_5794.JPG IMG_5785.JPG IMG_5781.JPG
 
Anyone??...sugestions on the nitrates??

Am I doing something wrong in my posts?

Should I post this question in a different forum?

As a total newbie, I can expect I'm not the best but I thought this was an appropriate BW qusestion...maybe I'm wrong.

Please advise if I should post elswhere for a response.

Looking for some assistance...

Regards,
conchqueen

Please advise; (maybe my title sucks)?.
 
You've posted in the right place, it's just that the freshwater section has more 'traffic' so to speak.

I'm no expert on Archerfish, so I can't help you with the ID, but I do know T. Chatareus can remain in freshwater forever with no ill effects. In Aus they live hundreds of kilometres inland and can breed in freshwater.

With only three fish in the tank and regular water changes I wouldn't think your nitrates would be that high. I would suspect a falty test kit, or possibly there are nitrates in the tap water. Have you tested the tap water?
 
You might want to take a sample of your water to your LFS to get a second opinion on the test results.
 
Not sure about the ID, but a SG of 1.000 is fresh water, not brackish at all. Most people keep their brackish tanks from a low end of 1.005 up to around 1.012. I keep mine at around 1.010. I would also recommend testing your tap water for nitrates, and doing more water changes. Twice a week would not be out of line. Also, if you plan on increasing your salinity, the cory is probably going to have to go. They are not brackish fish.
 
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