Recent content by johnt2k14

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  1. J

    API test kit inaccuracy

    I did test my tap water with my original kit when I first purchased it but that was a long time ago. From memory, those results were closer to the lab reports for my tap water. So at the time I gave it a grade of "close enough". I think the take away for me should be that the API tests are...
  2. J

    API test kit inaccuracy

    I switched from a Salifert test kit to a new API master test kit and I'm noticing that the nitrAte reading is higher than I think it should be. Has anyone else noticed this? Here's the test I tried. I compared: tank water tap water bottled spring water To answer some questions: The...
  3. J

    restock query : transition to barbs

    I have them near by. I'll talk to them and see if they can take them. I hope so. If not, I may give up the idea of a barb tank and go back to a tetra/peaceful tank. Not the end of my world :) -John
  4. J

    restock query : transition to barbs

    I haven't had a mix of fish with the tetras before, other than the otos/corys. Had 12 tetras at one time and they just played tag. Nothing harmful. I want to give the tigers a try all by themselves. If I can't rehome the tetras then I'm still at a loss for whether to try and make two teams...
  5. J

    restock query : transition to barbs

    I'll have to check the LFS. I've not done that before so we'll see if they are interested. Thanks for the suggestion SaraB. -John
  6. J

    Nitrates that won’t DIE !!

    Consider changing your nitrAte test kit. Had one that was consistenly overstating the amount of A-tes in my tank. Finally tested my tap-water with it and they tested high there too. My water company said it should be near zero and sent me their report. I double checked and sent my tap water...
  7. J

    restock query : transition to barbs

    Hi gang, I've got a 30 gallon tank that went through a period of serious neglect this winter and most of the stock died. Now that I can refocus on the tank I am looking to restock. For the last 5 years the fish had been doing fine up until recently. Down to 3 black skirt tetras, 3 otos...
  8. J

    OMG Brown Crud on my Plants!

    I am having a similar issue and would like some suggestions for how to treat, please. year and half old 30ga. fully stocked with fish and half dozen amazon swords, floating pennywort and a few small single plants here and there and some java moss. 0 ammonia/nitrites 50% pwc 1/week at time of...
  9. J

    API Test Kit Question

    Delapool - sounds like an interesting line of work. What kind of tests would you run for the rocks in my head ;) And yeah, I checked the lab's website and they list a number of techniques used for their tests but they don't map the technique to the test. PerfectDepth - The water company...
  10. J

    API Test Kit Question

    I am not sure how the lab tested for nitrates. Why would you ask that Delapool? Are all nitrates not created the same? -John
  11. J

    API Test Kit Question

    Thanks for the response. I have shaken the heck out of that second bottle every time. I just tried my tap water again, shaking the second bottle for 60 seconds prior to counting out the 10 drops and then shaking the test tube for 60 seconds. The test is still turning quite red.
  12. J

    API Test Kit Question

    Hi gang, Has anyone experienced "odd" test results from the famous API Test Kit? It looks like I am getting false positives for nitrAtes and I don't know why. (Note: I did/do vigorously shake the test bottle and tube for the test) History: Started a freshwater tank about 6 months ago. To...
  13. J

    algae control

    Thank you all for the responses. i will be dropping the photo period. Mebbid - Thank you for the advice on excel. I've ordered some and will try it out. Not sure how ferts would work into this treatment plan. I will see what effect the lower lights and excel have before adding anything...
  14. J

    algae control

    Hiyas, Just added some plants to a 5 gallon Betta tank. The light the tank came with was very dim so I got brighter lights - 16" Finnex FugeRay Planted+. Saw the "planted+" and this made me want to add some plants and I added two java ferns, two anubias, two moss-balls, and two small mesh...
  15. J

    How much have plants reduced your nitrates?

    Sounds like I would need a "well planted" tank to make a noticeable difference. Something to start planning. Thanks all for the responses! Sent from my XT1080 using Aquarium Advice mobile app
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