Update

[Waverider]

Just wanted to drop an update for anyone that cares. I purchased a gravel vac as well as some Amquel+. I did about a 50% water change and added a normal dose of Amquel+. When I woke up this morning, I awoke to a gorgeous scene. My tank has cleared up and after doing my tests everything read much lower!

My ammonia test came back practically negative, but I am wondering if the Amquel+ messed with my test kit or if it really destroyed all the ammonia. I use TetraTest NH3/NH4+ Test and the Amquel states that is messes with Nessler?? tests and you need a Staylic?? (not sure on spelling) ammonia test. I could not find what my test uses, does anyone know?

Also, the gravel vac.....that this has changed my outlook on water changes. That should be one of the first things people should buy along with their tank. I can believe I was using my Margarita Pitcher to do all changes!! Gravel Vac is badass!!

Anyway....I have a refreshed enthusiasm for my tank and I owe it to the simple advice you guys provided. I can wait to get home today and check the water again....and do a 5 minute 25% water change!! I LOVE THIS HOBBY!!

[LunchBox]

huzzah!

glad things worked out for you :)

[djmodifyd]

congrats

the the amquell would make a nessler test artifically test high...not low..so you are good.

bwahaha....the 5 dollars on a gravel vac is definitly worth it
hell...the 50 on a python was worth it

[kveeti]

My ammonia test came back practically negative, but I am wondering if the Amquel+ messed with my test kit or if it really destroyed all the ammonia. I use TetraTest NH3/NH4+ Test and the Amquel states that is messes with Nessler?? tests and you need a Staylic?? (not sure on spelling) ammonia test. I could not find what my test uses, does anyone know?

How many bottles of drops do you have to put in to get your test result? I believe the ones with 1 bottle are the Nessler's type and with more regents (2 or 3) are the salicylate tests. (At least this holds true for Aquarium Pharm.)

Glad to hear things are looking up for you!

p.s. get a new pitcher for your margaritas.

[mduros]

Yeah. The gravel vac is great! My LFS had pulled my arm to get one when I set up my tank, hey I just used the syphon hose before, but it really does make cleaning a breeze. Glad you're happy.
Take care,
Mary.

[Waverider]

Sweet! I use the kit w/ 3 reagents and if it gives false positive and not negative results I am golden!! Cuz mine was almost zero from 1.5 ml/L.

I love the gravel vac and think that it should be bought 3rd right after your tank and filter , but I got a question. It has suction but not enough to really pick up the gravel and tossing them around in the tube like all the pics. Is there a trick to get some real good sucking action going on. :p: HA! There are no kinks in the hose, or curves, just a straight hook from the top of the tank straight down to the bucket.

Is this the best I can expect from a "glorified" hose? Or can I make it suck harder?? :Angel:

Oh yea, Margarita Pitcher is Gone!! Going to wear in the new one tonight. God I love Friday!

[Lobo.]

the bigger the drop the larger the... err... sucktion...
just place the bucket that the water is going into on a lower level and let the hose drop water into the bucket