Want to stop algae now!

[Sumpin'fishy]

Thanks for all the advice and experience. I would love to get a printout of my tapwater and see what's in there! I have most basic test kits, but a few I can't get my hands on without ordering them online somewhere. I don't want to do this for the simple fact of cost, convenience, and if I run out it takes about a week, plus all the shipping cost is too high when just buying a few items. Another example is when I was cycling this last time, I ran out of Ammonia test kit before I really was getting any Nitrite readings, so I just waited a few days then redosed, repeated again, then started doing it every other day, then every day, etc. until tank was cycled (Dose Ammonia and have no nitrites next day and Nitrates were high). I would have bought another test kit, but I only use it for cycling and they become inneffective after a while, so I didn't buy any more.

Couple questions:
1) Where can I get Fleet Enema?

2) If I do decide to buy all the necessary test kits, can I buy them and use them until I run out, then just keep up the same schedule of fertilizing? I really don't like testing more than the basics too often. I test pH, Nitrates, and occasionally KH on a normal schedule (weekly or so) but get Ammonia, and Nitrite for cycling purposes. Since I use DIY CO2 I know I need to keep up pH tests!

3) Finally, where should I buy a good test kit for these necessary Nutrients? Big Als, Dr Foster-Smith, or other? I also need a set of pruning tools!

 

[Ger]

1. I believe that you can get Fleet enema from your local drugstore.

2. I'm not much help here... I think that I have the same question as you. I test my pH regularly, and KH when my pH looks higher than normal. I just got my phosphate kit today, so that may be a weekly ritual until I get the hang of it. My algae rolleyes: ) and fish are happy, so I know my nitrates are there (weekly test shows around 12.5) without adding more.

3. My LFS has NO3 and KH test kits regularly, but for online purchases (and for the phosphate test kit) I go to big al's or thatfishplace. Big Al's is routinely cheaper by 50 cents to a dollar+ than That Fish Place, and I can count on one having something when the other claims to be out of stock. FWIW I have bought from Drs FOster Smith, and have had no problems. They just seem a little more expensive (check shipping costs, too).

 

[djlen]

IMO, pH,nitrates, and PO4 are the most important assuming you know your kH. But even then, kH changes so it's a good idea to have that one too. Especially when dosing CO2. They should be available at any LFS. If not, you need to find another LFS.
Yes, Fleet Enema is available at your drugstore. If not you need to find........you know the drill.
Sumpin', yes use them til they run out or for 6 months(my rule of thumb) as they sometimes are less accurate when old.
Len