Recent content by RussellC

Just about everyone in the community (myself included) recommends the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. Best!

Are the spots brown or brownish? If so, it's likely diatoms. I get these on my silk plants too. The good news is that aside from being unsightly, diatoms are harmless. I will generally try scrubbing them off, as you have, though over time the silk can become stained. I just replace the...

I would imagine that it depends on your stocking level, but 200gph is 5x tank size, which seems to be the most prevailing general recommendation, however: With messier fish, it is commonly recommended to double the filtration capacity. While I've never kept them myself, it's my understanding...

Opinions vary, but in mine, a 1g hex is to small for even a single betta. The smallest I'd try is more like 3.5 gallons, but even then I think keeping consistently stable water quality and maintaining a cycle with that little water volume can be a little tricky. Were I to have another betta...

Well kept fancies do grow quite large. This is from a few years ago but please check out Bruce the oranda (Giant goldfish swims into the record books | News | Practical Fishkeeping).... he is rumored to be over 17inches right now. I've read about Bruce before... that's one awesome goldfish...

:smack my head: I love the stock in my tank lol And I get overly worried, waaaaay too quick. Hey, if I made a change in my tank and saw that kind of a pH drop afterward? I'd worry too. Glad to hear that the second pH test was more in line and that everyone seems active and happy! Best!

I've never kept a pleco, but it's my understanding that they're tropical and have different temperature requirements than goldfish -- so while a divider might help with the slime coat issue, it won't solve the temperature issue. I'd recommend separate tanks. Best!

Geez... this one's certainly over my head. That said, were it me? I'd redo the pH test to make sure I didn't miscount the drops or something.

Five 10 or 12in fish of ANY species (goldfish, cichlid, etc) in a 55g is grossly overstocked BUT they will also not reach anywhere near this size due to their tank restraints unless a rigorous daily water change schedule is employed. I don't think we really disagree, and even if we did, that's...

I don't have any sage advice for you (or even any non-sage advice). I just wanted to say that like a lot of folks I'm following the story and rooting for you (and the fish!). Best!

Opinions differ, but in my personal opinion, 5 fancies in a 75 gallon with two 75 gallon filters is sufficient. You'd be, in my opinion, fully stocked. Some people like a fully stocked tank (lots of fish to look at), others like a slightly understocked tank (easier to maintain), but if you...

For a number of reasons, I've always personally cycled fish-in, but again, I think you're on the right track. Test daily, when ammonia drops to zero, re-dose up to 4 ppm. When your tank can clear 4 ppm of ammonia in a day, with no nitrites, and producing only nitrates, you'll know you have a...

Sorry for your loss. :(

In my my 55 I already have two 75 gallon bio-wheel filters so that's double so I should he good? If I read the thread correctly, you have four fancies in a 55 with two 75 gallon filters? While stocking opinions differ here and just about everywhere else, in my opinion, you are fully stocked in...

Sounds to me like you just need to wait a little longer. That you dosed to 4 ppm and are now at 1 suggests you are getting ammonia to nitrite conversion. Did you get a rise in nitrates after your nitrite spike dropped? If so, that's further evidence that your cycling is progressing. Based on...