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somefinnfishy

somefinnfishy

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May 12, 2002
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OK I have a confesion to make.<Eric ducking>
I havent used any test kit in over a year.
PH KH GH NO3 Ammonia Have all the kits (no good now)never took the time to use them relyed on weekly water changes for the check&balance in my system.
The problem I wany presurized co2 and would like to know If I will end up killing everything I own and skip the co2 all together or just go real light on the co2.
Sadly I probialy will never test on a regular basis.

Experts how would you run your tank if no testing kits were availible?

Some of your tanks out there are like race cars just on the verge of a big crash
I want a more stable planted tank with out it having to be a chemistry exam.Is it possible?
Also I cant find KNO3 anywhere thats what I'm lacking I think?
I need leads for best price on a new presurized set up.
Also got no responce in my other tread but should I get the AGA triple tube 33wt-8 no flo or the AHsupply 55x2 kit
Another question they make a electronic ph tester right?And works in FW?Might buy one of those if their any good.
 
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I cannot cure laziness nor neglect but I can show you a way to do this without kits.

You will still need a method to measure the pH continously(Pinpoint etc pH monitor). This will tell you what the pH and hence the CO2 (if you know the KH which tends not to move much if you do good sized water changes weekly).
Need a lower pH? Turn the CO2 up etc.

You will need to periodically test the KH etc and depending on your tap's GH, might need to add something there, but most folks have enough GH.

The nutrient part is relatively easy and simple.

http://www.aquatic-plants.org/fert/est_index/est_index1.html

It revolves around doing regular weekly water changes in the 50% range or more. Takes about the same amount of time to do 20% as 50%.

Takes the testing out of the picture which few folks seem to do as it is.
You are not the only one not testing but you at least admit it and are trying to see a way around it. There is but it requires some basic work and mainteance but the chem part and the dosing routine is rather simple and easy.

Regards,
Tom Barr
 
Somfinn, I'm shocked!!!:) The truth is that if you use CO2, especially pressurized, you HAVE to know at-least 2 things. Your pH and your kH. Without them you have no idea what the CO2ppm is. The good news is that with pressurized, once you get your bubble rate set for the proper CO2 concentration you don't have to test as often as it will stay pretty stable.
And to be successful with plants you really need to have at least a PO4 test and nitrate test, IMO.
You can get an electronic tester at www.aquabotonic.com
But I'm sure you already know everything I just told you.
Len
 
With all that being said, I'd suggest you buy an electronic pH monitor and buy a simple KH/GH test kit. Get your CO2 system set up and start testing (start slowly) at least every couple of days for 2 weeks or so. Since you don't want to test your tank (you need to do pH at least bi-weekly or so (easy with a pH probe!) I'd suggest stabilizing your CO2 levels between 15 and 20ppm. This way just in case your needle valve slips a bit in either direction, you have a safety buffer. By the time you check it, it should be able to be adjusted with little problem. Most people want between 20 to 30ppm, but they are (USUALLY) more willing to test their tanks often. Better to err on the side of caution! At least test your KH every couple of months!
 
Po4 is phosphate right?If so have PLENTY in my tap :mad:
Nitrate I think is my problem not enough.Have well water and had no ill effects on any of my fish can get away with massive water changes if I want.
I have 8 serious planted tanks and 4 others planted plus have brought home some tank bustin fish for the other tanks so time is of a concern.
I took one step in the right direction and sold my salt stuff last night and got 90% of my money back.Also left me a 55 with 120W:D My focus is on planted tanks.
How do I keep my nitrates up?
 
My boss knows goys fried their tanks with it.Any stump removers I find dont list their contents scary.At work we had tropmaster brand Kno3 would feel a lot safer with that.But my boss doesnt get it any more and cant fint it any where in town or on-line any Ideas.
Anybody have any input on lighting have around 120 to spend.
I'm leaning towards the triple tube all glass fixture at big als.
 
a triple tube is sweet. I have 3 bulbs on most of the tanks except the 125 where I went overboard with 6 fluorescent and 2 incandescent bulbs (an experiment I never quite stopped adding to)
I use a triton bulb, a life-glo or power-glo, and depending on how I want the mood either a full blue actinic (for color only it can wreak havok with algae growth) or a sun-glo if I want that yellowy look to everything. Here's a post on lighting if you have the wherewithal to read it:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forum...e=20&highlight=aquarium lighting&pagenumber=2

The tritons are one of my new favorite bulbs because they are very balanced and the colors are good in the blue and reds.
 
No flames here - I have a degree in Chemistry, and have never used a test kit - just pH paper strips and my nose. Have always relied on the behavior of my fish to tell me what's wrong. I'm not dealing with plants and CO2, however.

So, flame away, guys!!!

Thanks for the salvinia, Eric. Did you get my check?? The gouramies built a bubble nest in it, but that's as far as it went - someone wasn't in the mood :(
 
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