My new tank

Justice wrote:
Gill Passman wrote:

Elaine T wrote:

Justice wrote:

Hi all, first off thank you for you answers to my other posts. I
went out and got myself a test kit, and 2 Clown Loaches to help with
my snails. I was going to get more plants for the glowlights to hide
in but too expensive at the moment. I did my first test today and my
readings a ph-7.2, amon-0, nitrite-6, nitrate-40. I don't have a
hardness test at the moment. I know the Nitrite is high so I did a
20% water change. I think the other levels are ok. Does anybody here
live in the Edmonton Alberta area that can tell me of a few good stores

Thanks




Nitrite 6?!? Could it be 0.6? Test again and if the reading or 6
ppm seems accurate, you need to change more water than 20%. IMO,
nitrite should be kept below 2 ppm. At nitrites above 1 ppm, I like
to start an airstone and add 1 tsp salt/5 gallons of water to reverse
some of the nitrite toxicity.

Nitrate at 40 ppm is also higher than most folks like to run
fishtanks, but not at all dangerous. It just means you should gravel
vac more frequently and change more water.


pH 7.2 is ideal for community fish. I'm jealous.

Be sure not to add any more fish until your nitrites are ABSOLUTELY
zero. No color on the test kit at all.

BTW from my experience the Clown Loaches might be sensitive to bad
water quality...keep a close eye out for any signs of Ich (white grain
like spots). If you see any treat immediately....post again for
details on how to treat....

Gill

Well I tested again this morning and it was about 3 so yes the 6 was
right. so I changed about a third of the water and added extra
conditioner to the added water. I will test again in the
morning(noonish) and probably have to change more water, should I add
extra conditioner as I was told this was a good idea by someone I know
if it's still above 1?. No sign of white spots yet(knock on wood). Also
dose canuck know of any canadian online fish/plant seller that are good?

Thanks All for all of your help.

You're welcome. :-)

Hard to say with the water conditioners. You need the proper amount of
dechlorinator, of course. Beyond that, people here have sometimes had
problems cycling tanks when they lock up too much ammonia or nitrite
with chemicals like Prime. I think if you keep adding 1 tsp/5 gallons
salt to your replacement water and can keep the nitrites below 2 ppm,
your fish should be OK.

Watch for early signs of nitrite toxicity to be sure your fish are doing
OK. Acute nitrite toxicity causes fish to have trouble getting enough
oxygen. Fish tend to stay quite still, gill hard, or hang out near the
surface.

--
Elaine T __
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