Newbfishlvr
Aquarium Advice Newbie
My PH pen and GH/KH API test kit came today, and I was shocked at the results. I have been using the API test kit for both of my aquariums 75 g and 150 g. Ammonia and nitrite always 0 for both, and Nitrate ends up being about 10-20 by the time I do my water changes (I test before each water change to see where I am at). Water changes are typically 50% every 7 to 10 days, more or less depending on what my Nitrate ends up being (I don't let it get above 20 but if it's 5 i'll put off the change or do less without suctioning gravel).
My results were 18 dGH, 7dKH, PH 7.8 in 150 gallon and PH 8.0 in 75 gallon. I have tap water sitting out to be tested tomorrow. My fish have never had a problem, very large and do not appear to show signs of sickness but from what I have read I need to lower it to prevent organ damage. I would also like to soften the water with hopes of keeping more tropical fish such as angels, tetras, etc but undecided.
Here is my question, what do you recommend?
1) Reverse osmosis systems seem to take a really long time to fill tanks, especially how often I change the water, does anyone have one that is faster? I have a drinking water R/O installed, but to get 5 gallons worth takes so long and it runs out of juice. To fill my tanks I have setup from the shower that I use my python to fill and can adjust the temp, but the water is definitely hard based on my preliminary results.
2)Has anyone had any luck with API water softener pillow? I have read mixed results and would like some input before I start experimenting.
3)Water Softeners: general internet consensus from what I have read is potassium is the way to go. Would this be worth the investment to soften the water or just mask an underlying problem? Any Ill effects for the fish?
Thank you for any input, advice, and for any recommendations.
PS: Driftwood is being soaked as I type, not sure how much of a difference it will make.
I just switched to prime 2 weeks ago for water conditioner based on my LFS recommendations.
150 gallon
Fluval FX6
2 Oscars
1 Jack Dempsey
1 Black Convict
75 G ... TBD?
Fluval 406
1 Albino Bristlenose
1 black pleco (unknown what type, fully aware I may have to rehome in the future if he is the large type)
Cycled and ready for some fish, would like to do freshwater, i love cardinal tetras, Angels, schooling fish, need help with getting my hard water straightened out!
My results were 18 dGH, 7dKH, PH 7.8 in 150 gallon and PH 8.0 in 75 gallon. I have tap water sitting out to be tested tomorrow. My fish have never had a problem, very large and do not appear to show signs of sickness but from what I have read I need to lower it to prevent organ damage. I would also like to soften the water with hopes of keeping more tropical fish such as angels, tetras, etc but undecided.
Here is my question, what do you recommend?
1) Reverse osmosis systems seem to take a really long time to fill tanks, especially how often I change the water, does anyone have one that is faster? I have a drinking water R/O installed, but to get 5 gallons worth takes so long and it runs out of juice. To fill my tanks I have setup from the shower that I use my python to fill and can adjust the temp, but the water is definitely hard based on my preliminary results.
2)Has anyone had any luck with API water softener pillow? I have read mixed results and would like some input before I start experimenting.
3)Water Softeners: general internet consensus from what I have read is potassium is the way to go. Would this be worth the investment to soften the water or just mask an underlying problem? Any Ill effects for the fish?
Thank you for any input, advice, and for any recommendations.
PS: Driftwood is being soaked as I type, not sure how much of a difference it will make.
I just switched to prime 2 weeks ago for water conditioner based on my LFS recommendations.
150 gallon
Fluval FX6
2 Oscars
1 Jack Dempsey
1 Black Convict
75 G ... TBD?
Fluval 406
1 Albino Bristlenose
1 black pleco (unknown what type, fully aware I may have to rehome in the future if he is the large type)
Cycled and ready for some fish, would like to do freshwater, i love cardinal tetras, Angels, schooling fish, need help with getting my hard water straightened out!
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