Hi, I have never thought to test the tap water, just the aquarium
water. what a good idea!
thanks


Dick wrote:
On 11 Oct 2006 06:05:49 -0700, "froggo"
wrote:

Hi

thanks for that, maybe its because i hold the syphon right at the
bottom, i will try it mid tank.and i shouldnt be afraid to do changes
more often then? i am just concerned that my tap water is very high in
nitrate . i do add the chemicals to bring it down but they dont seem to
be too effective.

t
f


Dick wrote:
On 11 Oct 2006 02:04:47 -0700, "froggo"
wrote:

hi

my tank has been set up for 5 months now and although i do a water
change every 7 to 14 days, by using a thing to suck up the dirt around
the gravel. i am beginning the think the gravel could do with better
cleaning. what is the procedure for cleaning gravel, how often should
it be done? what am i doing wrong by having such filthy gravel after 5
months - is this normal?

many thanks

f
I have 5 tanks ranging in size from 75, 29 and 10 gallons. The 75 has
been up 4 years, the others 3 to 3 1/2.

I never clean the gravel.

I do change 20% of the water twice weekly, but the syphon hangs mid
tank.

dick

I add no chemicals. My local water pH is high, 7.8, but has not been
a problem.

Measure the nitrates of your tap water if you have doubts. Make all of
the tests on the tap water.

I am not reliable with chemicals and killed a number of fish while
lowering the pH, the tank went acid. It was terrible. That decided
me to try not adjusting. It has worked well for me.

I would not worry about where the syphon is located. A good argument
can be made for keeping the syphon low as denser water loaded with
"solids" will sink. I find it hard to get near the gravel due to
plants in the way.

dick