Log of using Dr. Tim's One and Only Nitrifying Bacteria

I see. Hmm, there must be another reason for it, then.

Also, I had originally tested the tank water's PH and found it to be 7.6. This morning I decided to test both the tap (from the bucket) and the tank water for high range PH and it looks like it is 8.0. When I tested the normal range PH of the tap it also came up 7.6 (the water turns deep blue). Is 8.0 PH bad for the fish I have or for the cories I intend on getting?

I have tested the water hardness of the tap water, as well. The GH was 196.9 (took 11 drops) and the KH was 125.3 (took 7 drops). Is that too hard? Should I be trying to lower it? I don't particularly want to have to change the water chemistry all the time as I really don't like adding chemicals or additives to the water if it is not necessary. Thanks in advance for the replies. I'll post later with more updates, but my little friends are still looking quite healthy.

- Wisegy84
 
I would say, if your fish look healthy than don't mess with the chemistry.
they can often adapt to water chemistry.

BTw, the easiest way to change the hardness is to mix your tap with RO/DI or distilled water.

but i still say if they are doing fine..don't mess with the chemistry.;)
 
That's what I thought. But do you think I should check with my LFS to make sure their water isn't drastically different from mine? They might be using RO water, but I'm not sure. I just want to make sure that I take my time acclimating sensitive fish if they are making a big change in water chemistry coming from the LFS to my tank. Do you think even fish as sensitive as cories would be able to adapt to the water OK if is is softer at the LFS?
 
Wisegy84 said:
Feb 23 1015PM

- Water Test
Ammo = 0ppm
NitrIte = 0ppm
NitrAte = 5ppm (although it might be between 5 and 10)

All the fish are still very active and appear healthy. Bit of nipping for the pecking order, but nothing very worrisome. No signs of disease. Colors of fish are developing nicely.

I've started aerating a bucket of dechlorinated tap water and will test it tomorrow night.

Again, thanks for all the help and input. So far, at least as long as the test readings are accurate, everything seems to be going smoothly and Dr. Tim's is turning out to be somewhat impressive.

On a side note, just out of curiosity, does anyone know if the API test kits expire? I know my kit is not much more than a year old.
Click to expand...
Yes they expire. There shelf life is over 2 years I believe. Best of luck ,
Tcarswell
 
Wisegy84 said:
Feb 24 1005PM

- Water Test
Ammo = 0ppm
NitrIte = 0ppm
NitrAte = 5-10ppm

- Water Test on tap water treated with Prime and aerated in bucket for 24 hours
Ammo = 0ppm
NitrIte = 0ppm
NitrAte = 10-15ppm


What does it mean that the trates in my tap water are higher than what the tank is currently reading at?

All fish are still healthy and active, coloring looks good, no signs of disease, greedily eating at meal time. If everything continues this way I will likely be adding a small school of cories on Saturday. I will continue to monitor water params and will do weekly PWC's and vacs.

I will gladly post pics if anyone is interested.

Again, if anyone has anything to add, feel free. And thanks again for all the support.

- Wisegy84
Click to expand...
My tap has 20 ppm-40 and I never get below 20 and I change 130% of my water every week in two intervals :perv:
 
Wisegy84 said:
I see. Hmm, there must be another reason for it, then.

Also, I had originally tested the tank water's PH and found it to be 7.6. This morning I decided to test both the tap (from the bucket) and the tank water for high range PH and it looks like it is 8.0. When I tested the normal range PH of the tap it also came up 7.6 (the water turns deep blue). Is 8.0 PH bad for the fish I have or for the cories I intend on getting?

I have tested the water hardness of the tap water, as well. The GH was 196.9 (took 11 drops) and the KH was 125.3 (took 7 drops). Is that too hard? Should I be trying to lower it? I don't particularly want to have to change the water chemistry all the time as I really don't like adding chemicals or additives to the water if it is not necessary. Thanks in advance for the replies. I'll post later with more updates, but my little friends are still looking quite healthy.

- Wisegy84
Click to expand...
The fish will be fine. I got an 8.3 and I have kept almost any fish in this water. Fresh or salt monster or baby. Dont use chemicals just acclimate the fish slowly and you are all good. Trust me on this one :)
 
tcarswell said:
My tap has 20 ppm-40 and I never get below 20 and I change 130% of my water every week in two intervals :perv:
Click to expand...

Any idea what might be occurring in my tank, then?

I know I haven't even had the test for 2 years yet, so I think they are fine. But if there is anything to indicate a problem I'll pick up a new one.

Thanks for the help, btw.
 
Wisegy84 said:
Any idea what might be occurring in my tank, then?

I know I haven't even had the test for 2 years yet, so I think they are fine. But if there is anything to indicate a problem I'll pick up a new one.

Thanks for the help, btw.
Click to expand...
NP sorry about the triple post above. As far as your tank having less nitrates the only possibility is that your water (your tap water that is) Had less nitrates when you filled the tank. Because your first tests indicated 0. I seriously doubt it is the test kit. You tested your water several times and got less than the tap which was tested once. May be a good idea to test the tap again. With the API test kits they tend to vary to a degree how much I don't know. But the nitrate test in the API imo is the least reliable. You have to shake it for a minute all the while it is spraying out of the holding container ... Catch my drift :)
 
Neonsilver said:
You said you used a filter to aerate the tap water, was that filter media used or new?
Click to expand...


It was one of those tiny "filters" that isn't really much of a filter. It had been used, but it was sitting dry for at least a year. Do you think it still might have affected the readings?
 
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