Jump to content
Watch our video on the rules of this forum.

rdaled

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    20

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Feedback

    0%

 Content Type 

Everything posted by rdaled

  1. rdaled
    Having an open top aquarium and lots of surface agitation I get a lot of evaporation. Because of this I have an auto top-off system that replaces evaporated water. Up to this point I have simply used dechlorinated tap water in my top-off reservoir, which has a nitrate level of 5. I'm now thinking that it would be best to fill my reservoir with RO water since that is basically what evaporates from the tank. Constantly topping off with tap water that has nitrates is only going to increase my nitrate levels. Hopefully this will help curb the algae.
  2. rdaled
    Thanks @AdamTill So if prior to a weekly water change I still have a Kh and Gh of 2 then I guess it makes sense that the plants aren't running out of essential minerals.
  3. rdaled
    Isn’t a low KH and Gh an indication of a lack of minerals needed by live plants? I feel like if I had better growth rates from my plants then they would be better able to utilize the nitrate and out compete the algae.
  4. rdaled
    Lava rock is the only filter media I have on my 20 gal and have never had an ammonia or nitrite issue. It provides plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria. However, it will not remove nitrates. I don’t think any filter media will do that.
  5. rdaled
    So I have done a little research to learn what exactly is in my tap water. The issue that has prompted this is consistently higher nitrates, neutral pH and very low Kh and Gh. Visible symptoms include algae growing on leaves of slow growing plants. Here is what I have found... Tap water API tests: pH 7.0, nitrates 5, Kh 2, Gh 2 Here is some information I found online regarding our municipal tap water... "The Salisbury-Rowan Utilities’ Water Treatment Plant uses a pretreatment process called Actiflo, which is a high-rate clarification unit. Micro-Sand, Polymer, and Poly-Aluminum Chloride are added to the raw water as it enters the pretreatment units to begin the coagulation process. After mixing, the solids are removed by the pretreatment process. The water is allowed to settle up to 4 hours and then it is filtered. After filtration, Sodium Hypochlorite, Fluoride and Phosphate are added and the pH is adjusted using liquid lime. Fluoride is added to promote stronger teeth, and Phosphate helps to prevent pipe corrosion in the distribution system. Solids that are removed from the raw water are de-watered and eventually reapplied to farmland in Rowan County." So according to the attached chart... Alkalinity 24.3ppm = Kh 1.3 Hardness 24.5ppm = Gh 1.5 What I need to figure out is how to raise Kh and Gh, or add more minerals to my water, without raising my pH. I read that crushed coral will help, but won't that raise the pH as well?
  6. rdaled
    This thread has been very informative, I've been having a similar issue... pH 7, Kh 2, Gh3, and high nitrates. I preformed a 50% water change and that brought the nitrates down to 30, but the Kh and Gh are still low. Have been dosing with easy green, but only after a water change. Also using root tabs for the root feeders. Plants are growing but very slowly and I'm fighting hair algae. I need to test the Kh and Gh in my tap water to see if I need more water changes to replace the trace elements, or if I need to dose.
  7. rdaled
    Miniature Dean-ery... @Dean’s Fishroom
  8. rdaled
    Thanks @Irene that makes sense. I probably didn't have my glasses on. 🤓
  9. rdaled
    Thanks @Andy's Fish Den I'll have to look for a cube tray.
  10. rdaled
    So I watched @Irene video on hatching BBS. She mentioned that you can store leftovers in the fridge and they will live a couple more days. I will try that, but I noticed she didn't put a lid on it, maybe that helps keep them oxygenated. As far as transporting to work, I guess I can simply put them in a tupperware container and they should be fine. If they can live in the fridge then they should be fine for a little car ride.
  11. rdaled
    My eggs are on order and on the way. Two questions.... 1. I have a tank at home and a tank at work, which is a 35 minute drive. If I hatch them at home, what will be the best way to get them to work in good condition? 2. With only two small tanks, is freezing the best alternative for leftovers?
  12. rdaled
    Sounds like the consensus is to....
  13. rdaled
    Nice in-depth answer @gardenman Trace elements are not something I am currently too concerned with on this tank. I eventually want to add red cherry shrimp, perhaps it will be more of an issue then. Thanks @Daniel Kind of what I thought, nice to know I am on the right track. @ZoeyFish You are exactly right, there is not enough flow to move the moss around. When I cut it back the trimmings slowly sink to the bottom. Initially I just wedged the moss in between two rocks, and it grew up and out from there. @H.K.Luterman That was my goal on this tank as well. I even added an automatic feeder for weekends and holidays. I can literally leave this tank unattended for a couple weeks without a worry.
  14. rdaled
    I have a 10 gallon office tank that is home to white clouds, snails and java moss. Only running an air stone, no filter or heater, and it has been set up for over three months. I have done two water changes in that time. The tank is loaded with fry and snail eggs, and I had to cut back the java moss last week. This morning I came in prepared to do a water change but after running all the tests I don't see a need. Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are all zero and the pH is 6.4. I know the API master test kit is good since it is the same one I use on my home tank and it always measures nitrate levels. Any reason for a water change if you don't have any nitrates?
  15. rdaled
    Received my light today, what a drastic improvement!!! Currently only running it at 25%, wanted to acclimate the plants slowly and try to limit excess algae growth. I have a feeling this light will greatly improve my overall plant health. Plus it looks great on the tank!
  16. rdaled
    Thanks for letting me know, didn't see the announcement. I guess I should have known since the sale wasn't advertised on the home page. Perhaps they forgot to deactivate the old sales page.
  17. rdaled
    I know this is the local store section, but the website is advertising 10% off and free shipping when you spend $100 or more. Black Friday Cyber Monday - Aquarium Co-Op However, it doesn't seem to be taking the 10% off in the cart. Hope it starts working today, I have been waiting 2 weeks to place my order.
  18. rdaled
    Thanks for the confirmation!
  19. rdaled
    Thanks for the suggestion Streetwise, I had thought about that. Perfect, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks KB0zzie59! The 24" should fit perfectly and cover the entire tank. Now, I wonder if there will be a black Friday or cyber Monday sale???
  20. rdaled
    Looking to order a Fluval Plant 3.0 light for my Innovations Marine Nuvo Fusion 20. It is a rimless tank that is 23-1/2" wide rim-to-rim. I'd like to go with the 24" light to get better coverage, but I'm thinking the 15" may fit better. Anyone have exact dimensions on these two lights, or any input? Thanks
×
×
  • Create New...