Freshwater Tips and Tricks

[woolfam]

So what things have you found that make your freshwater tanks more fun / easier to keep up and running / more economical / etc.?

Although I'm a relative newbie, here's something I've discovered. I can use a lesser amount of water in my test vials and a proportionately fewer number of drops of the chemicals per test. I figure this will double or triple the number of tests I will get out of a kit.

 

[pik01]

i don't know how accurate it would be if you changed the volumes =/

 

[NoExit]

For a nice cycled tank that might work, but your numbers could get really wacky doing it that way if you have any sort of problem.

Though I suppose that you could always use that as a "screening" type of test, and then do the full 5 mL and # of drops if you think that something isn't right. I'd say just don't rely on that to tell you the real deal if you do run into issues.

For your question....

I only test when I'm setting up a new tank or if I see some sort of strange fish behavior or just randomly for some peace of mind. That's how I save money on tests

YMMV

 

[vampie]

Even if you test weekly, there will still be enough to last you the full two years, so there really isn't any point in trying to skim on the testing.

 

[b.greene]

To keep new fry safe:
I buy Marineland Rite-Size Bonded Filter Pad in a large sheet for $5.98 (312 sq in).
I cut off piece, put a slit in it and slide it over all my filter intakes. This keeps the fry from bing sucked into the filter. It is also a great place for beneficial bacteria to grow, so I can move it to a new tank to help seed it with good bacterial and shorten the cycling process.

 

[tjroihenu]

So what things have you found that make your freshwater tanks more fun / easier to keep up and running / more economical / etc.?

Although I'm a relative newbie, here's something I've discovered. I can use a lesser amount of water in my test vials and a proportionately fewer number of drops of the chemicals per test. I figure this will double or triple the number of tests I will get out of a kit.

If one of those with yellow water is ammonia you need to do a water change.

 

[jm1212]

If one of those with yellow water is ammonia you need to do a water change.

yellow actually means 0 (undetectable) ammonia.

i wouldnt go against the directions on the test kit. just me though. test kits are inexpensive enough so that you shouldnt need to skimp on tests.

 

[beblondie]

the test is set up by chemists with a certian amount of water to x amount of reactive agent.They should not be toyed with unless you want misleading readings.
If you are that concerned about the cost of a test kit this really may not be the hobby for you.

 

[b.greene]

Can we just get back to the point of this thread, guys? It is supposed to be:

"So what things have you found that make your freshwater tanks more fun / easier to keep up and running / more economical / etc.?"

 

[johnlarson66]

This isn't really anything new or can't be found somewhere else but I thought I would put this out there. Once a person gets hooked on having a fish tank, many want another.

When setting up a new tank, move your old filter media to new tank. You can even run your new filter on your old tank for a bit while you are waiting to set your new tank up.

This will allow you to stock your new tank quicker.

Another thing, I always look for used fish equipment and have stopped buying new as much as possible. Lots of deals out there.