Recent content by mrfishybetta

It is unlikely that you insta-cycled, otherwise you would see some nitrate being produced. The one plant isn't enough to suck all of it up to give you that 0/0/0 reading. I would wait to add more fish until you get some readings (of any kind). Are you shaking the crap out of the kit...

You don't have to use CO2 - I don't and have similar plants to your list. I do use Seachem Excel however. It is a carbon source substitute. Using it will help keep up your carbon in balance in regards to light and other nutrients (thus keeping algae down). I would suggest getting an anubias...

Not sure if you're still looking for answers on the Finnex Stingray, but I just got the 16" model about 3 weeks ago. It's a nice light - shows the tank's colors off nicely and is good for growing plants. Lightweight and works well with a light timer. However, I keep mostly low-tech...

Oh. I was under the impression that anubias, java, and hygrometer all water column feeders? Is there any difference between liquid fert dosing and it being in the substrate with a root tab? Unfortunately right now I am out of money for a substrate upgrade :-/ It's my next purchase. Would you...

Hi! I'm looking for some pointers on my plants and what deficiencies may be causing my problems. Tank specs: - 5 gallon for betta, established for several months - Heated to 80F - Sponge filter - 7.7 pH - 0/0/~10 water params - kH...I used a color strip and it read about 60? 80? I have "semi...

Thanks! I was maybe going to start with ghost shrimp, since they are cheaper, to see if my betta will try to eat them. Then upgrade to amanos... Do nerites leave little eggs all over the place? I don't know if I could handle that.

Hello! My 5g is up and running smoothly with it's one betta inhabitant, but I've been thinking of getting a clean-up crew (also for cuteness factor). I don't really have a problem with algae (yet?). I need something to clean up the detritus that collects in Mr. Fishy's tank - bits of plants...

No. I read that I should not. It doesn't look overly scudgey either, so I've left it alone.

So my methods are solid then? Just gotta wait it out?

My fishless cycle has been going for 2 months now - shouldn't I be nearing the end?! I've posted here about a few issues/questions before, and those were very helpful, but now I feel like I'm in a cycle rut again! Tank is heated and filtered of course, and I have been using the pure ammonia...

I know you are worried that he is hungry, but don't be overly concerned of that yet. Saturday to Wednesday is only 4 days, and bettas can go a while without eating. Let's see if we can figure out why he isn't eating in the mean time. What are your water parameters? Is he showing any...

Thank you 8820 and Caliban. I did a smaller water change (because I'm a worrywart) and then dosed just to about 2ppm. Fingers crossed!

Wow, awesome responses! Thank you! I just got home and tested my pH...turns out I'm down to 6.4! Which is probably why things are slowing down, yes? Would it still be ok to do a water change since there is such a difference from that to my tap (7.6)? Ph fluctuations can shock fish - can they...

Wow, awesome responses! Thank you! I just got home and tested my pH...turns out I'm down to 6.4! Which is probably why things are slowing down, yes? Would it still be ok to do a water change since there is such a difference from that to my tap (7.6)? Ph fluctuations can shock fish - can they...

Ok thanks! You mentioned two water changes, how long between the two? Or just do the second one once I see nitrites dropping? I was hesitant to change any water, lest I mess it up! One last question: How to deal with evaporation? My house is INCREDIBLY dry, so water evaporates very fast...