Basic questions for my 10g

[Lisa]

After perusing some of these threads, I have a couple basic questions regarding my 10g I'm currently cycling w/ Guppies (plan to add Blue Rams):

1. My understanding was that water changes should be done monthly. Here I'm seeing that some people do them daily. I thought too frequently wasn't good (obviously I was wrong). How often is ideal for my tank?

2. While planning on introducing Blue Rams, by LFS guy advised me to add a 6.8 pH buffer. I've been told by others that this is not advised as it will be a daily chore and will not stabalize the tank (only temporary). Should I or should I not? I was originally planning on it simply for the delicate Rams. Will they adjust to my slightly alkaline pH without using a buffer?

3. I've heard of the benefits of adding salt to a tank. Any valuable insight on that? Do or don't with my tank?

4. Is it known why fish scrape their sides up against the aquarium decor?

Thanks everyone!

[OrionGirl]

1. Water changes are done to reduce the levels of dissolved solids, and nitrates (nitrates primarily in unplanted tanks). For some tanks, monthly might work, while others are done daily, weekly, or somewhere in between. Without knowing test results, or at least the stocking, it's impossible to say what a good schedule will be for your tank.

2. I am not a fan of the additives. Some people use them, but they can cause a host of other changes as well, and do not always provide a stable shift. One that yo-yo's is very harmful, while one that is a little bit different from ideal can probably be okay. Post your actual parameters, and people here will gladly help out.

3. IMO, salt is for medicating, brackish and marine tanks. Nothing else. As a constant additive, it definitely will not improve your odds of success with rams, tetras, and many South American native fish.

4. Fish scrape because something is irritating their skin. It may be a variety of things--parasites, bacterial infections, additives, etc. Not really a good sign.

Welcome aboard! I'm going to slide this over to the Newbie section.

[Lisa]

Thanks for your prompt and insightful reply! Sorry I originally posted in the wrong forum. I haven't tested all the parameters yet since it's only been cycling for a week. I do know that the pH is high at this point and usually stays high with our water -recently tested at 7.6. I plan to get a thorough testing kit and see what I come up with in regards to all the other stuff. I had a tank before and NEVER did any tests on it - amazing I was able to keep it healthy (so I thought) for six years! I plan to do things the "right" way this time 'round. I've researched books but in my opinion nothing is as valuable as the common knowledge found at sights like this!:D

[OrionGirl]

Not a big deal on the post location. Mostly just housekeeping. ;)

I'm the same way--thought I was doing all right, came here and found the difference between keeping fish alive, and really seeing them at their best.

Test kits I'd recommend: Ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, hardness (GH and KH) and pH. I like the Master's kit I have, but lots of people prefer the strip tests.

You pH would be a tad on the high side, but with careful acclimation, the rams will be okay. Might not breed successfully (pH can have a drastic impact on eggs, where the adult fish are okay), but that's about it. Of course, there are several easy and reliable ways to reduce pH without the use of chemicals. Driftwood in the tank will usually drop it a bit, and if this is a planted tank, you could add CO2. This would help the plants along with dropping the pH. Check http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/ for more information on that, if you're interested.

Oh yeah--where in Co are you? I grew up in Parker.

[Lisa]

I live in PARKER! How ironic is that? Well, you are probably well aware of my water conditions then, huh?

Can I obtain driftwood from most any pet store or is exclusive to fish stores? Anything I need to know about introducing it to the tank? Maintenance? Effects? My tank currently has a slate, flowerpot, ornamental caves and plastic plants. I know the Rams would really like the driftwood and am excited to learn that it helps to lower pH.

[OrionGirl]

:D My family is still down there.

Driftwood is sometimes sold for use with reptiles, and I am not sure if it's treated with anything or not. I've bought wood from both general pet stores as well as fish stores, and never had a problem. I really like the wellaby wood--it doesn't float, and has a really nice, contrasting coloration. I know some people here have collected wood from stream/river beds and used it with no problems. From the store, you'll want to rinse it really well, and that's about it. The wellaby wood won't leach tannins (causes tea-colored water), but many other woods will. It's not harmful, but some people prefer not to have a yellowish tinged tank. Boiling the wood will help reduce the stain you can expect.