Just started my first planted tank

[MrGame]

I tested the ammonia and it was at a safe leve, but I did find out the pH in my water here was very high (cichlid territory). So I should've been using a buffer when I changed the water. I'm starting over and my dad (longtime aquarium enthusiast) is going to help me too


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[lectraplayer]

So far, I've had no problems with my fish (mostly various tetras and rasboras though) with pH in the nines, but have fought a losing battle trying to buffer it down. (Rasboras and tetras like pH between 6 and 7 btw)

Sent from my Android with one arm in the tank.

 

[fish wrangler]

What is the GH and KH?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Coursair]

Some driftwood might help bring PH down a bit, just expect tannins to color the water for a while.

Sent from my LG-V410 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[MrGame]

Fixed my anubias, added an Amazon sword and some Java moss


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[fish wrangler]

Are you adding co2?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Thumper828]

Tank is coming along great. Hate to hear you had a ich bout. I went through the same thing when I started out. Now I make sure not to buy fish the same day they are delivered. I think it adds to their stress.

 

[bcarl_10gal]

I assume this is the aqueon 26 bow front kit? Are you running the stock lighting?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[MrGame]

I assume this is the aqueon 26 bow front kit? Are you running the stock lighting?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

This is actually the Fluval 26 Bow kit. Came with a C3 filter and LED lighting (although I'm unsure of the wattage). The tank may look dim because it's dyed from tannins in the large piece of driftwood. My pH is very high in the tap water so I didn't boil it for long as I wanted to lower the pH along with my buffer and pH down chemicals. As for CO2, I don't have an external setup but I feed the plants Flourish Excel daily and Flourish at every water change as per my LFS.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[MrGame]

Tank is coming along great. Hate to hear you had a ich bout. I went through the same thing when I started out. Now I make sure not to buy fish the same day they are delivered. I think it adds to their stress.

I've gotten very careful about adding fish. There's a great store about 25 minutes from me called Aquaradise and I will only add fish from them from now on. The ich bout came after adding fish from a questionable Petco (lesson learned). Petco and Petsmart are great if supplies are needed in a pinch though


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[lectraplayer]

Sometimes the chain stores are more skillful. So far, I'm getting better fish from several Petsmart fish than from my locally owned fish store. I guess it's sometimes about like shooting craps.

Sent from my Android with one arm in the tank.

 

[MrGame]

This escalated quickly. I have sold the 26 gallon because I upgraded to a new 55!


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[lectraplayer]

There you go.

Sent from my Android with one arm in the tank.