Recent content by msweet13

Every other day when I did a PWC I would just vacuum the area right in the front. It's right under where I drop food in and where the fish eat so I figured I would just clean up any mess they were making that could be contributing to high ammonia levels. I'm guessing I probably should not do...

Baddog, I would love to hear how your tank is doing. Mine is at about the same spot yours is with Barney Purple reading of Nitrite, although my ammonia levels were high as well. I have been doing a 50% water change every other day. How long does this Nitrite cycle last? And should I be doing...

It has been 6 weeks now. I am finally entering into to Nitrite phase of the cycle but still have ammonia as well. How much longer can I expect this to take? I never realized what a slow process the cycle was. Also, I was reading on another forum about the cycle that recommends infrequent...

Thank you for your replies. I think I will get an aquaclear. I like the filter media much better than the cartridges that mine came with. Personally I do not know how mine filters any water since it's designed in a way that the water can completely bypass the filters.

The Aquaclear looks good according to amazon reviewers. Does this one have the bio wheel I keep reading about? Is this the brand you would recommend? Also, my tank hood does not have space for another filter, should I just cut it?

Yes, I did not properly research before beginning a tank and so I added fish to a non-cycled tank. A fact I regret. I was just wondering if there was anything more I can do to reduce my ammonia levels. They stay around 1ppm. I have read conflicting opinions on additives. They seem to be...

I was just reading a few articles on this site that recommended using 2 filters. I currently have a HOB filter that came with my kit. Ive read conflicting reviews regarding it's efficiency. My tank is only a few weeks old so I cannot make any claims but was wondering if I should invest in...

I have been cleaning my gravel with a siphon and think I have been doing it incorrectly. First, my siphon fills with gravel until a few wedge into the tube slowing the flow. Then the flow is too weak to pick up any gravel. I had been just stirring up the gravel, but just seen on youtube that...

So I bought an API test kit and you were right. My ammonia was 1ppm. I have been doing partial water changes every other day. My ph is staying around 7.2. nitrites 0, nitrates 0. I have lost two fish during this time. My others seem very hardy. They are no longer flashing but their gills...

Thank you for requesting that I do a water change. There must have been something going on with my water quality. I have not seen any flashing all day today. I'm glad I did not just jump in with the copper treatments. I have not purchased the test, but will be in town tomorrow to get one...

Pic is on its way. I will pick up an API kit tomorrow. I completed a 50% water change tonight. I still do not see any spots. My sunset platy likes to stay under the big red rock rubbing her back on it constantly. If she is by the panda platy then shes rubbing up against her. Thanks for your...

Here is the picture. I have 3 plants behind the big red rock cave, one behind the tree, as well as scattered fern like plants.

I have the test strips and everything reads within normal limits: 0 nitrates, 0 nitrites. I guess it does not read ammonia? I can do the water change, but do you think it could be a parasite. I keep reading early treatment is vital.

I am new to the aquarium world. I began with a 4 gal tank with 3 White Cloud Minnows and a Ghost Shrimp. These poor fish looked miserable, always swimming in the corner so I decided to upgrade to a 10 gal tank and get the Minnows a few friends. I now have 6 White Cloud minnows, 2 Platies, and...