Tank Basics..Help Anyone?

K

knbsbbygrrll

AC Members
Mar 19, 2008
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Missouri
Ok so I thought I was scratching the surface of "need to know basics" but I think I was wrong. I keep reading about the "H's"...pH (the obvious one) and then there's DH, KH, GH...what are all these H's.
I'd also appreciate any suggestions on tank basics like water hardness and it's importance and how to test that and things like that...I have a pH tester and plan to do regular checks. Also what about ammonia..does that tie in with pH. Like I said..I thought I knew most of this and I'm starting to question myself now..haha. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks :wall:
 
I would strongly advocate for a liquid Master Test Kit (it covers virtually all of your water testing needs)! ;)

Also, this is the link I encourage anyone entering into the hobby read. It is a great resource, and will help to explain a lot of your questions above:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81388

Lastly, take advantage of this awesome forum! It is a fantastic resource in and of itself and full of helpful down-to-earth folks! :)

As for your questions, could you tell us a little more about where you are at in entering this hobby, what your ideas are. For example, do know what type of fish you would like, or are you limited to tank size due to your living arrangements, etc.?

Oh, and Weclome to AC! ;)
 
Not to confuse things too much, but doesn't pH and ammonia have a bit of linking? If the ammonia / ammonium?
 
TKOS said:
Not to confuse things too much, but doesn't pH and ammonia have a bit of linking? If the ammonia / ammonium?
Click to expand...
I'm not certain, however, if you are concerned about pH I would assume you have fish, and similarily, with fish, the removal of Ammonia is paramount. Thus, in this case I did not feel that the 2 would play a factor.

But to answer your question, I think pH is linked to Ammonia more-often as a determinant of toxicity of the ammonia. In other words, as water temps and pH decrease, so too does the toxicity of ammonia.

BUT again, if you have fish in a cycling tank, ANY ammonia is to be avoided...
 
You are all so much help...I saved the first link and am getting ready to move on to reading the second one posted. I really appreciate it that should clear up most of my questions.
I do already have fish. 1 parrot, 2 rosy barbs and 1 figure eight puffer so far. I am going to the place I got them to get them a better tank. I was given a 10 gal and since they are just small I was told it would be suitable for now but I just can't wait and I think they need a bigger one now so I'm getting ready to go get them one. I posted another post but I don't think it went up...if anyone has any little tidbits about their own experiences with these fish please feel free to let me know or any advice on where would be best to post for them. Thanks
 
no advice on the fish. but some advice on the advice given here you may get (lucky) but i havent so far and have had to lose and rehome many fish by trying it my way. btw:welcome:
 
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