toughguy1
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I have done a lot of reading and I wanted to get feedback on my chemical levels and next course of action. I used the "quick dip 5-test strip test" to get the following data (I am recalling from memory): pH was 7.2, Nitrate was approaching alarm (40?), Nitrite was dangerous level (10), Hardness was good, and Total Alkalinity was low near zero. Based on forum advice and reading, I understand that my tank is still cycling and you have to get through the high nitrites as best you can. What I did is add 3 teespoons of aquarium salt (which protects damaged fish); I added stress coat and stress zyme. I had done a 20 percent water change at 4 weeks. I need advice on when to do another water change, and what to do about the high nitrite, and the "Total Alkalinity" being too low (recall PH was 7.2). Please advise - you have been very helpful in the past. Please help, my daughter loves this tank as you can see from the picture.
P.S. 20 gal tank temp is 78-79 with a rainbow shark, a platy, a pleco, a neon, a black marble angel, and a blood red parrot (all getting along).
P.S. 20 gal tank temp is 78-79 with a rainbow shark, a platy, a pleco, a neon, a black marble angel, and a blood red parrot (all getting along).