finally got a test kit

[sleepyskater]

got 5 neons, and 1 female betta!

Also got that long awaited test kit.
my params so far are
PH:6.2
Ammonia: 7.5? this had to be way off, my fish would be long gone by now. I'll probebly do another test tomorrow
Nitrite: over 1


I know these are some bad readings, any idea's on how to buffer the PH to 7
get the ammonia down to 0
and the Nitrite to 0???

 

[petluvr]

What size tank? Nitrites and ammonia can be taken care of through water changes. Buffering the ph I will let someone else take that

 

[petluvr]

Oh and what type of test kit did you get?

 

[sleepyskater]

Its an Eclipse system 12
Its a Red Sea Fresh Lab, it test the PH Ammonia and Nitrite


how much water should I take out? 25% 50%?

 

[fish guru]

nitrites and ammonia can not be treated by water changes. although it will reduce the ammount, it will rise again from your fish's waste. what you need to do is to do a partial water change and add some nitrifying bacteria. they sell bottles of these at lfs and pet stores that sell fish supplies. since there is both nitrite and ammonia, this means that you tank is not cycled enough. i wouldnt add anymore fish until your water params are all godd. im actually surprised that your neons are survivng in such a condition. just take it easy and things will clear up.

 

[fish guru]

take out 50% since you have alot of ammonia

 

[sleepyskater]

okay. What are some good params?
I know 7 Ph is good and Ammonia should be under .25
but What about the Nitrite?

 

[fish guru]

actually ammonia and nitrite should be both down to zero.

 

[sleepyskater]

oh, alright. Thanks for the help

 

[fish guru]

no problem