When will my GH go up???

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pitufo

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Jul 5, 2004
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Hi, I've had my tank going for about approx. a month and a half now, and I'm waiting for the General Hardness to go up to 5 drops (100 mg? that's what my aquarium dealers have been telling me) to do my first water change. But it's been staying at 3 drops/60. Because of the hot weather my tank has been losing water pretty consistenly, I'm worried about the powerhead running below the necessary waterline. But all 21 of my fish (in my 33 gallon tank) are very happy and healthy so far.
Mabye I should add that I have plants as well, I think I heard that they soften the water?
Anyways, when should I do my first water change and how much should I take out? If you need anymore info about my tank just holler, Thx.
 
I'm confused- have you added crushed coral or anything to increase the GH or are you just expecting it to go up on it's own?

And if water is evaporating by all means top it off.
A water change won't hurt anything- don't know why they would advise you to wait :confused:

Has the tank completed its cycle?
That's a lot of fish in a new tank.
I'd change about 20-25% just on general principle.
 
Yes! I was expecting it to go up on it's own! That's what they told me: that the hardness naturally increases over time. They use crushed coral in their tanks; mabye they got confused. I don't use crushed coral but mabye I should look into it. And yes, my tank has been cycled. I was a little worried that I put too many fish in too, but they're all doing veryu well so far. They're all still small though. Not sure if I put mty specs up but I have a 33 G tank, an undergravel filter hooked up to a powerhead, aquaclear 300 powerfilter with those gear/star shaped things in it that increase surface area for bacteria.

When should I start cleaning the tank?? Q:Cleaning means a water change right? The nitrite levels are very low and the PH seems to be stable. I haven't checked for ammonia because if I understand correctly, if there was an ammonia increase then my nitirites would go up right?

Anyhow, thanks.

One more question: So if I'm only adding a little bit of water, and I figure out the right amount of water conditioner to use, then do I need to let it sit for awhile before it neutralises the chlorine? Or does it happen right away? My other question is is it possible to put too much water conditioner in?

Thanks again.
 
First of all, I dont know what all this concern over GH is. If your pH is ok, and stable, forget about it. KH would be important if you were injecting C02, but I take it you are not. All your fish are healthy and happy, right? So find another pet shop, or at least stop asking them for advise. This board is the best place you can be for good advice.
You should definitely be doing regular water changes. You will get different opinions on how much and how often, but 50% once a week is a good place to start. Add your de-chlor during the water change and fill the tank, and you wont have to worry about ever topping it off. It should be fine untill the next water change.
If you are still concerned about water hardness, check your Kh, not the Gh. If your Kh is under 3dkh you can add a little baking soda to bring it up. But since your pH is stable, I dont think you even have to worry about it.
 
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