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Post by dumpystig on Feb 28, 2007 21:40:32 GMT
Hi again, yeah thats what I'm thinking, and just what I've been working towards. I should soon be able to spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying them. Gotta say it's been a pain at times but the rewards will be worth it!
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Post by karen on Feb 28, 2007 22:18:06 GMT
Lol all the hardship will be worth it in the end.
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Post by mralgae on Feb 28, 2007 23:02:13 GMT
no comment on water problems.
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Post by karen on Mar 1, 2007 7:48:56 GMT
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Post by dumpystig on Mar 4, 2007 15:26:31 GMT
Haha nice one!
Water quality is great now. pH 7, and no decrease after a water change, which was happening before. I reckon boiling the bogwood definitely made a difference to how it affected the pH. Nitrite and Ammonia both at zero. Nitrate 20. Maybe I've been a bit paranoid, but for the past few weeks (since I got my test kit) I've tested the water twice a day. Readings were way out and I was really worried. But everything has settled now and I am only testing every other day. By next weekend I think I will be confident enough to make it once a week when I do a water change. Which makes me wonder: should I test before, after, or both?
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Post by jackpike on Mar 4, 2007 23:21:42 GMT
I personally don't even test water any more unless i see a change in the fishes behavior that gives me cause for concern. But for peace of mind, i would advice newcomers to the hobby to do it on a regular basis.
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Post by dumpystig on Mar 10, 2007 20:08:50 GMT
Think I've finally got it all sorted now. ph 7, Ammonia zero, Nitrite zero, Nitrate 20. The only fluctuation is with Nitrate going up to 40 but I know this is normal, and a 20% water change brings it back to 20 again. Really pleased now, paranoias gone and maintenance is a lot less so I will have more time to actually enjoy my fish. Thanks to all for your help and advice, now it's on to my plants.....
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Post by jackpike on Mar 10, 2007 21:38:07 GMT
And all new problems lol
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Post by kelly on Mar 21, 2007 17:36:00 GMT
Im glad your tank has finally cycled dumpystig.
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Post by dumpystig on Mar 21, 2007 22:48:26 GMT
Thank you Kelly. Not been here for over a week now but tank and fish are fine. Baby son arrived on 12th so I've been pretty busy being a dad again. I'll be back soon for advice on plants, so I'll be looking for you MrAlgae - and anyone else that can help me out
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Post by karen on Mar 22, 2007 20:14:20 GMT
Congratulations on the birth of your son dumpystig.
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Post by artpallette55 on Mar 25, 2008 0:37:33 GMT
hi , im chris , and have been cleaning a tank and trying to take measurements . i got a 5 in 1 paper strip test kit . but apparently these arent that accraute . at the time i thought NO3 == over 250 ppm , maybe . GH >> 16 , PH = 7 cleaned the tank , replaced filter inserts , carbon act . removed gravel stones , washed , sieved , dryed . having stirred up mirky water , collected suspened solids , filtered and returned some original water . looked much better . changed equivalent half volume .
then i went to a shop , and they tested it properly with test bottles , results were a lot different . new results
PH 8 no3 11 ppm ammonia 0.25 ppm
if these test strips are so ineffective , how can they be sold .??
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