I was just depressed. I'm not giving up. I've actually only lost a few fry, and some look very large and strong, so I'm still hoping. I'm going to attemp to remove the crud from the bottom today. The problem with siphon was that it wasn't pulling up....as if it's stuck. It's not left over food, it's something coming off the leaves. Algae? I'm hoping. In which case, the heat lamp MIGHT be hurting by making it grow? I swear, the few I've lost seemed to get "stuck to the bottom". Is that how sliders act? I don't see them "fall", just notice that when the others swim up after pecking stuff off the bottom, the few didn't. Then they'd scoot very quick, as if trying to get up...,but couldn't. Some are very healthy looking, and others look small and don't eat as much. So, maybe it's just the deformed, messed up ones. I am waiting on the polyfilter media. Can I just put it on the side as I did the carbon? I bought a "fry sponge filter" that's covered in a plastic with minuscule holes. It has compartments, so I could add the polyfilter to that....and any other helpful media. I also bought a regular sp filter, in case you didn't think the special one would be good. Also, since I'm avoiding water changes, can I just hang an ammonia remover over the tank's side? It's registering ammonia daily. I out 1 drop of BBS (finally figured out a good mix, so they're on only live food now ?....) and I watch them eat before adding another. I do this (about 4-5 drops total) until I see them stop eating. I leave the few left in there for the stragglers. The heat lamp is what's keeping the tank temp consistent. I've been off for 2 days, and monitored closely. The heater in the tank is never even on. The heat lamp is heTing the tank to 80. If the room gets cold, then the heater kicks on, but only for a few min. So, I'll keep the lamp running.
I sent you a text (if your number is the same) about ph. I can't tell you what it is. I can't post pics here. It comes back lighter than the highest color on the high range ph test, and darker than the highest color on the reg ph test. So.,,,I guess it's right around 7? I turned down the bubbles, so I will test again today.
I did notice a drop in KH from 2...to 0. I haven't changed anything since testing last. No WC. Does this mean their utilizing more of the "stuff" in the water? Do I need to do anything about that? I'd hate to lose them over a ph swing!
The ammonia will affect them at ph of 7 right? The tank now registers slight ammonia every night. I'm removing the gunk at the bottom today, but I will tell you, they seem to stay lower to the bottom towards the end of the day. I stopped adding prime, per your instructions, but when I WAS, they would immediately perk up and swim all over. Does this change your instructions on anything?
I've proved your point about having the correct set up yet again! A rainbow shark got through the divider in the main tank, and I now only have 10 fry (in that tank). They look really healthy, but went through me catching the shark. I also proved your temp statements....the main tank fry are bigger than the many marble fry I have in their own tank. The 82/3 temp has helped them grow faster. The pure black ones are gorgeous....I really hope a few survive!
Anyways, I'm sorry I messed up the experiment. If these live, hopefully I'll at least learn something about the water.
ALL fry are older than I have ever had. So, no matter what, I've made improvements....thanks to you. Just let me know what to do about ammonia until the media and sponge filter come in.
Side thought....once I do get these things, am I going to actually cycle this 2.5 tank? Or is the sponge just to keep things in check? If I do actually cycle it, would dr. Tims one and only be a bad idea? I was just thinking it would help me avoid WCs by an instant cycle. Just a thought.
I sent you a text (if your number is the same) about ph. I can't tell you what it is. I can't post pics here. It comes back lighter than the highest color on the high range ph test, and darker than the highest color on the reg ph test. So.,,,I guess it's right around 7? I turned down the bubbles, so I will test again today.
I did notice a drop in KH from 2...to 0. I haven't changed anything since testing last. No WC. Does this mean their utilizing more of the "stuff" in the water? Do I need to do anything about that? I'd hate to lose them over a ph swing!
The ammonia will affect them at ph of 7 right? The tank now registers slight ammonia every night. I'm removing the gunk at the bottom today, but I will tell you, they seem to stay lower to the bottom towards the end of the day. I stopped adding prime, per your instructions, but when I WAS, they would immediately perk up and swim all over. Does this change your instructions on anything?
I've proved your point about having the correct set up yet again! A rainbow shark got through the divider in the main tank, and I now only have 10 fry (in that tank). They look really healthy, but went through me catching the shark. I also proved your temp statements....the main tank fry are bigger than the many marble fry I have in their own tank. The 82/3 temp has helped them grow faster. The pure black ones are gorgeous....I really hope a few survive!
Anyways, I'm sorry I messed up the experiment. If these live, hopefully I'll at least learn something about the water.
ALL fry are older than I have ever had. So, no matter what, I've made improvements....thanks to you. Just let me know what to do about ammonia until the media and sponge filter come in.
Side thought....once I do get these things, am I going to actually cycle this 2.5 tank? Or is the sponge just to keep things in check? If I do actually cycle it, would dr. Tims one and only be a bad idea? I was just thinking it would help me avoid WCs by an instant cycle. Just a thought.