Questions from an aquarium newbie

I just did about a 25% water change and these are the readings that I got, I think (as the hues are a bit hard to tell at times)

Nitrate 10
Nitrite 0.5
Hardiness 120
Alkalinity 180
pH 7.2
Ammonia 0.5

My ammonia levels haven't changed at all, but the pH went down to a good level.
 
The fish are always making more!

If you use Prime or Amquel +, you are still likely to see some readings for the ammonia and nitrite. It doesn't remove it, just reduces the toxicity. You still have to do water changes when you get a spike, but it will be easier on your fish.

I wouldn't treat the whole tank for the one sick fish that was in there. Keep trying to keep the water params as good as possible and keep an eye on them. You were right to get him out of there.
 
hitman12131976 said:
I just did about a 25% water change and these are the readings that I got, I think (as the hues are a bit hard to tell at times)

Nitrate 10
Nitrite 0.5
Hardiness 120
Alkalinity 180
pH 7.2
Ammonia 0.5

My ammonia levels haven't changed at all, but the pH went down to a good level.
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Lookin good, after a pwc wait at least an hour before you recheck, this will give the tank time to mix the new water. most people will have a spike in there water parim's. but if you test a couple times a day you will see it...


:clap:
 
Before I forget, I need to know the "parts" of a Bio-Bag. I currently have the Whisper 40 Power Filter. I've been reading about people saying that they remove the "film" from their filter or that they have a "sponge" that they're still using. I don't understand the terms. Let me know if I got this right:

The Sponge: It's the white cottony enclosure that houses the carbon.
Carbon: Comes in two colors, black and white. Black is the normal carbon that is usually used, but the white one is used to help with the ammonia levels as well.
Film: From what i gather, people are ripping apart their Bio-Bag and taking pieces from it to assist in the cycling (I'm pretty sure I'm wrong).

How well did I do?

Another question: After one month, it is recommended that I install a new Bio-Bag. I've been reading that people are just using the same "sponge" (the white cotton thing) and just putting in new carbon so that they can keep the bacteria on the Bio-Bag. Won't this old Bio-Bag get clogged? If it does, can I use something to sort of unclog it? Maybe a toothbrush to open up the pores again?

Oh yeah, I forgot, besides using the Mardel Master Test Kit (made of strips tests), is there anything else that you guys would recommend as a better water tester?
 
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Not sure what the film is, but the sponge is generally,yes the white cottony stuff. To clean it, just rinse it in a bucket of TANK, not tap, water. Only throw it away when it is so hoirrible it is letterally falling apart.

White 'carbon' is zeolite, which removes ammonia.

The Aquarium Pharmaceutical Master Test Kit, is a great buy at 15 bucks.
 
nomadofthehills said:
Not sure what the film is, but the sponge is generally,yes the white cottony stuff. To clean it, just rinse it in a bucket of TANK, not tap, water. Only throw it away when it is so hoirrible it is letterally falling apart.
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No need to take any type of scrubber to it?

nomadofthehills said:
The Aquarium Pharmaceutical Master Test Kit, is a great buy at 15 bucks.
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15 bucks, whoa. My LFS's sell it for 33 bucks. Do you get it online? Also, is it a color chart that you look at to compare the readings? If it is, are the colors very distinguishable? The Mardel Test kit of pH is at Orange Hues and they are tough to distinguish.
 
I have the AP Master Test Kit and it is great! The readings are colored, but easily distinguishable. Just make sure you are looking at them with a white background and good lighting. I got mine for $19 on sale, it is usually around 25 where I live.

Oh and by the way: GREAT LOOKING TANK!!!
 
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A liquid test kit is the way to go.....:hi:
 
ecal468 said:
I have the AP Master Test Kit and it is great! The readings are colored, but easily distinguishable. Just make sure you are looking at them with a white background and good lighting. I got mine for $19 on sale, it is usually around 25 where I live.

Oh and by the way: GREAT LOOKING TANK!!!
Click to expand...

Yeah, just bought one today, the AP Master Test Kit as well for 19 dollars. I usually goes about 33 where I live.
 
Does anyone know what this "film" thing is that people talk about transferring to other tanks to help with bacteria growth?
 
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