jlk
Aquarium Advice Addict
Your ph is the lowest level on the strip? Does your tap look the same on the strip? This may be part of the issue here because your good bacteria can not process ammonia in a very low ph range. Once you have a decent test kit, we will be able to figure out what exactly your tap & tank are reading and address this. Check out amazon- their prices are usually $20-23 vs a lfs selling the kits for $35+.
I would also consider switching to Prime or Amquel Plus to help limit the toxicity of ammonia & nitrite between water changes- this will help your fish alot as well. A little Prime goes a long way so its a better value in the long run but either product will be more helpful than what your presently using especially while your tank is cycling.
Yes, the 'active' filters are shipped wet to maintain the bacterial colonies. If you consider this route, just make sure you purchase a filter labeled 'active' or you will just be getting a plain, new filter. We may have to address your ph though or the cycled filter will not work- I dont know this for sure because you dont have an accurate means for testing your water yet.
I would also consider switching to Prime or Amquel Plus to help limit the toxicity of ammonia & nitrite between water changes- this will help your fish alot as well. A little Prime goes a long way so its a better value in the long run but either product will be more helpful than what your presently using especially while your tank is cycling.
Yes, the 'active' filters are shipped wet to maintain the bacterial colonies. If you consider this route, just make sure you purchase a filter labeled 'active' or you will just be getting a plain, new filter. We may have to address your ph though or the cycled filter will not work- I dont know this for sure because you dont have an accurate means for testing your water yet.