Recent content by Ulrichsd

So what did you end up getting??

I've got 4 freshwater tanks, a 125g reef and an indoor turtle pond. On my 55g freshwater tanks I run both an Eheim canister and an Aquaclear hob, but just a AC hob on my 20 g tanks (clawed frog and axolotl) I love that they... pull a lot of gunk out are really easy to clean are fairly cheap I...

Stress zyme is supposed to build slime coat or something, but is a dechlorinator I believe. I use seachem prime as my dechlorinator. Not familiar with pristine.

I like aqadvisor because it not only gives sticking advice, but also compatibility and recommended water change frequency. https://aqadvisor.com/

"Usually"? Unless you are taking only a small amount of water then that could be an issue. How is your fish doing?

50% Water change would be good, just make sure you are using a dechlorinator to remove the chlorine. Is there a filter of some sort on the tank?

I have a reef and use kalkwasser and calcium, but if you don't have coral pulling those out of the water them sniperhank is correct. I do add vibrant every other week, but most people wouldn't consider that dosing.

I think bleaching the tank is the nuclear option and I would avoid it. If your tank is a few years old then the substrate is probably extremely filthy. I'd remove and save half of the water along with the fish in buckets, turn off the filters, then use a scrub pad to manually remove the algae...

Welcome!

What test kit are you using? Did you do a water change after cycling? What water conditioner are you using (seachem prime, API smart start)? What kind of filter is on your tank?

I'm assuming it is ammonia burn. How long have you had the fish? Do you have a test kit to test for ammonia? When in doubt, do a water change and hopefully you have a conditioner like seachem prime.

I suspect that switching the substrate released the ammonia - sand can get really dirty. I would do a 50% water change and see if that cuts the ammonia down.

Thanks to both of you! Like any tank they are a work in progress :) I had some sand blasted manzanita wood branches with the angels which fills out some empty space, but haven't put them back yet after moving it. And the yellow labs were my first fish and still my favorites. There are some...

They were my first aquarium and they are fun to watch them dig and dig :) so much "personality" :D Continuing... 23 (my mistake) - I mentioned having a generator (or some power outrage plan), but make sure you service those items once a year. I couldn't get the generator to start when the...

13 (my mistake) - not having a plan for when the power goes out. Nothing like a major power outage with a 3 day predicted shutdown in the middle of an Ohio winter, running out to buy a generator that night when the tanks recorded into the 60s (F). Its going to happen sooner or later, be prepared...