FINALLY found a test kit locally! My numbers are...

[Dangerdoll]

Are you using the media from the old filter in the new one? I don't know if it's such a great idea to switch the filters at the end of a cycle but keeping the old filter in place while this one catches up is definitely the better way. About the towels and the filters, I really don't think the small amount of light that will get in will be a big deal but if you want, here's what you can do.. (I know what it's like to need to have it done a certain way ) what you can do is take a couple small hand towels and from where the filters hang over the tank, pull it a little away from the glass and fit the hand towels in between the filter and the glass. When you let the filter go, it will hold the towel in place. shikes, I hope that's not too confusing

 

[staceyanna]

No, I'm not switching media... For the time being I have both filters running at the same time. I will leave it that way for the time being, couple months or so...

I uncovered the filter as well, i just REALLY want to peek in there, its killing me! Its been only one day of the blackout and I am barely hanging on. I miss my fish!

How many days do I have to blackout for an algae bloom again?

 

[Dangerdoll]

I would think a few days would be fine..... 3 or 4. It depends on the outbreak. If it's still bad, keep it covered Good luck...

 

[staceyanna]

Today makes the 2nd day, but can I peek though? Wouldnt that bring in light and defeat the point? Cause I cant really peek without turning on the light in the hood.

 

[Dangerdoll]

for the few seconds that it will be on, it will hardly make any difference. You'll be fine to sneak a peak

 

[staceyanna]

I peeked last night!!! And the green is gone, but the cloudy water is still there! Its like smokey white cloud though, not green cloudy. I am going to continue the blackout for the remaining 2 days, which means I uncover tomorrow, but now I don't know how to get rid of the cloudy water.

My green water started out as cloudy at first as well, does this mean it will go back to green water as soon as I uncover? My numbers are all still running steady and nothing seems out of the ordinary... I have 2 good filters running on there (Whisper and brand new penguin Emperor 280), I even put a triple stack of polyester wool in there the same day i started the blackout 2 days ago. I do 25-30% water changes/gravel washes once a week. I dont know what else is there I can do to keep the water clear. Now what do I do?