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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2015 9:57:39 GMT -5
Hi Zack,
The cloudy water is likely a bacteria bloom. Do you have an air pump? More circulation often helps a bacteria bloom.
A Post Script on my post about Skunk Cory cats (smile). I have one Skunk in my 20 gallon extra high that is only a little larger than the two panda cory cats that are in there (I am guessing all three are males). All three of those were purchased in 2012 - and haven't really out grown the extra high. I also have a Sterbae cory cat (likely a female) in there that is too big for the extra high, but there is no way I will try to catch her - as I have three leaping slender hemiodus in there that can't be trusted (two have already jumped out and needed to be rescued).
Here is a funny.... a few weeks ago, one of the slender hemiodus leaped out of the aquarium and kissed me on the cheek when I was feeding the feather fin cat fish (who is also way too big for the extra high -- I feed her carnivore pellets with long tongs). I quickly scooped up the hemiodus and put him back in the aquarium. He is fine. Another one jumped out a while back during a water change and was quickly rescued. One of the slender hemiodus was purchased in 2012 (originally sold for $15.99, but I got her on sale as the store was closing). The other two are relatively new and were purchased for $5.99 each (at a locally owned store)... a great deal.
When it comes time to net the featherfin catfish and move her to the 75 gallon.... I will have to net the three hemiodus first and put them in a covered bucket. Maybe at that time, I will also net the Sterbae cory and more move her.
Cheers,
Judy
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Feb 10, 2015 10:13:31 GMT -5
As I move stuff around and try to imagine where the driftwood is going to go I have quickly come to the conclusion, I need a bigger tank. I can already tell that I am going to outgrow the 30g reeeal quick but I need to put the brakes on and slow it down a bit and just let this tank cycle. I thought I was pretty patient person but only 2 days and I'm screaming "C'MON!!", I want to watch my fishies. My better(much better)half has had aquariums her whole life(it's her dads fault)so I know she likes having them around. I think she just gets bugged with us having limited space as is. Tank Update: I noticed the tank a little bit cloudy when I got home for work(UV is still off). I did not change anything except add a 1/4 teaspoon of food and a cap full of Stability. I also added a small chunk of wonder shell to help keep the pH up so the cycling isn't inhibited. Temp- 78 F and holding well pH- 7.0 KH- 120 GH- 120 NO3- 0 NO2- 0 KH has changed from 80 to 120. The cloudiness is normal for a new cycle tank. If you have another tank in the house, you can use some of the seeded filter media to help the new tank cycle. With seeded material and Stability, you can have fish in your new tank with 2/3 days. With all the pumps you already have in your tank, your flow is fine. Also, WS dont affect pH. You would need an Alkiline buffer to help keep pH up by a higher KH. WS affects GH. Here's a quick read for aquarium chemistry basics. www.fishbeginner.info/home/aquarium-gh-kh-ph-chemistry-what-to-know/
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 10, 2015 12:23:51 GMT -5
Judy, I think your slender hemiodus are having an identity crisis and want to join you on dry land. I am looking into getting an African Butterfly Fish for the new 30g and they are jumpers also. I am going to have to look up all the species you mentioned when I get home, they sound interesting.
Devon, I was offered seasoned media from a friend but I wanted to cycle this tank from scratch for the expierence. Once the 25 is cycled I will put in the media for the 30g so I can get a jump start on that.
I was reading about the nitrification cycle and I believe it read the carbonates are used up in the process and thus causing the pH to lower so I ASSUMED(we all know where that can lead) that since the WS have Carbonates that it would help. So far though there has been no change in the pH.
Every night I have been reading AAP articles and I have a hard time just getting through one topic. There are usually so many links to other articles that I find I have 8 tabs going and I'm trying to read all of them(lol). I am going to have to start taking notes or something because there is so much to take in. The in depth information is can be hard to understand but when it goes that deep you know the time and effort that has gone into them was well thought out.
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Feb 10, 2015 17:59:55 GMT -5
Devon, I was offered seasoned media from a friend but I wanted to cycle this tank from scratch for the expierence. Once the 25 is cycled I will put in the media for the 30g so I can get a jump start on that. Nothing wrong with this. Now, it's just down to fighting the craving for fish If you have the time, the fresh cycle is better. There could be a disease in the seeded filter media, then could make the problem in the new tank. There's pros and cons. I was reading about the nitrification cycle and I believe it read the carbonates are used up in the process and thus causing the pH to lower so I ASSUMED(we all know where that can lead) that since the WS have Carbonates that it would help. So far though there has been no change in the pH. It's a sodium carbonate or sodium bi-carbonate that is a maintainer of KH and then affects an upward shift of pH, which is needed to really shift pH. (Man, isn't science fun?!) It's my understanding you can use calcium carbonate in a reactor to get more affect on KH, but this wouldn't work with the WS and it also takes an understanding of the use of acids in the reactor to convert/breakdown the carbonate. This is covered in this selection of Carl's Chemistry article. americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumKH.html#khbuffers Every night I have been reading AAP articles and I have a hard time just getting through one topic. There are usually so many links to other articles that I find I have 8 tabs going and I'm trying to read all of them(lol). I am going to have to start taking notes or something because there is so much to take in. The in depth information is can be hard to understand but when it goes that deep you know the time and effort that has gone into them was well thought out. The information we have is like a university level course on the aspects of aquarium keeping. Taking notes is recommended! We are trying harder to help people understand we are like a aquarium school, which address many aspects, based on professional long-term experience. My goal this year is to make this clearer for anyone who visits American Aquarium Products or Everything Aquatic. I also know reading all this information can be difficult, so I'm working on video series for all the articles. Here's a websites, which focus on the basics. It might be good enough for what you need to know about your new aquarium. Sometimes, getting to technical is not needed and could burn you out. www.fishbeginner.info/
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 16, 2015 19:46:43 GMT -5
The information provided is so rich that reading www.fishbeginner.info/ will leave you wanting to come back and read from AAPs' material. My advice for those out there who are not used to reading such in depth information to start out with fish beginner. I can't get enough of all the FREE reads(which is why people should donate). So for a tank update, I rearranged some of the plants but that will change probably in the next day or so. I will be putting in my beautiful piece of driftwood and by the way there are new specimens available at AAP. I will be making a purchase soon so no one take the piece I want! Tank parameters have not changed. I think I am going buy a few danios tomorrow and put them in the tank. I am going to try my hand at a quick bath for the fish(MB+ a slow addition of dissolved Aquarium Salt) and attempt a slow acclimation method. This last week has been pretty crazy with the weather, my nephews health issues(everything is stable just nothing a 6y.o should have to deal with) and a freak accident where a buddy had his hand cut clean off and thankfully reattached after 8 hours of surgery. Having this aquarium has been very therapeutic and I am gracious for the audience that consists of great and knowledgeable individuals such as yourselves. Stay tuned for more and will update with pictures.
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Post by angelminx on Feb 16, 2015 20:03:39 GMT -5
Sorry about your nephew and your friend, I'll be praying for them.
Angelminx
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 16, 2015 20:24:23 GMT -5
The friend was released from hospital today and should have all feeling and movement back in 2 years. My nephew on the other hand has a lifetime of strict dieting and avoiding sick people. Unfortunetly that only means a sheltered life. I was talking with my sister about setting him up a fish tank after I get the 2 I have under control. I think something like this would help keep him occupied and if I keep his interest through out the years maybe he can get more involved. I thank you for your prayers
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Post by angelminx on Feb 16, 2015 20:49:43 GMT -5
That's a great idea! He'll probably really enjoy it, and it will give him something to feel like he's needed/important, rather than to tend to feel lonely/sorry for himself.
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Feb 17, 2015 17:56:27 GMT -5
The information provided is so rich that reading www.fishbeginner.info/ will leave you wanting to come back and read from AAPs' material. My advice for those out there who are not used to reading such in depth information to start out with fish beginner. I can't get enough of all the FREE reads(which is why people should donate). So for a tank update, I rearranged some of the plants but that will change probably in the next day or so. I will be putting in my beautiful piece of driftwood and by the way there are new specimens available at AAP. I will be making a purchase soon so no one take the piece I want! Tank parameters have not changed. I think I am going buy a few danios tomorrow and put them in the tank. I am going to try my hand at a quick bath for the fish(MB+ a slow addition of dissolved Aquarium Salt) and attempt a slow acclimation method. This last week has been pretty crazy with the weather, my nephews health issues(everything is stable just nothing a 6y.o should have to deal with) and a freak accident where a buddy had his hand cut clean off and thankfully reattached after 8 hours of surgery. Having this aquarium has been very therapeutic and I am gracious for the audience that consists of great and knowledgeable individuals such as yourselves. Stay tuned for more and will update with pictures. Yes, the fish beginner is just meant to go into the basics of a aquarium aspect, then links over to AAP for more information. Also, I should mention we are going through each of the articles right now and putting them in a audio format. It's to make the complex information a little easier to understand. These will be released soon! Slow acclimation is a good idea, just some air line tubing and a air control valve. I'm sorry about all the craziness right now. Both cases are something very extreme. When things like this happen in my life of the people around me lifes, I can only think its an experience we are meant to learn from. Some of the most profound things I have learned in my life have been at my weakest moments. The friend was released from hospital today and should have all feeling and movement back in 2 years. My nephew on the other hand has a lifetime of strict dieting and avoiding sick people. Unfortunetly that only means a sheltered life. I was talking with my sister about setting him up a fish tank after I get the 2 I have under control. I think something like this would help keep him occupied and if I keep his interest through out the years maybe he can get more involved. I thank you for your prayers This could be a great idea for mental health. Still do take precaution if there is an immunity issue. People can get sick from playing in aquariums. Elbow gloves are recommend.
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Post by Carl on Feb 17, 2015 19:05:55 GMT -5
Thanks for your positive compliments about our information as well as my friends web site (fish beginner). My prayers/thoughts for your friend and nephew! If I can ask, is there anything I/we can specifically pray for your nephew about? Carl
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 20, 2015 19:44:46 GMT -5
First off let me start by saying the support that this community displays is unlike anything I have come across online. Thank you all for keeping my family in your prayers and only ask for continual prayers for strength and good will. I too will pray for health and wellness for all. We all have our own personal issues going on and support is important. Devon brings up a good point about germs and aquariums. My profession is with wastewater and it has become habit to wash my hands and arms often and properly. Not only should those with immunity issues take care to wash up BEFORE(don't want to upset the tank) and AFTER handling tank items and chemicals. I don't know if it makes a difference but when I know I am going to be sticking my hands in the tank I was with unscented soap and rinse very well to remove any residue. Just a precaution to eliminate any variables in tank upsets. TANK UPDATE: I rearranged and added the driftwood on Monday. I also removed the bubble wand/LED lights and I like it better. Today(friday) I stopped at my fav LFS to visit the fish and get a few danios to help with cycling. I seen they had a species of fish on my list, hopefully not making the wrong decision, purchased 4 Jordanella Floridae aka American Flagfish. I THOUGHT I picked out 3 females and 1 male but after my episode of dyslexia faded and the fish were in the tank I realized I got just the opposite. I drip acclimated for 45 min with a few drops of MB in the bag and some Stress Guard to the tank. Everyone was very stressed including myself but once the new tenants were in their home and I fed them a little everyone settled in. I did notice that the current from the HOB and UV was a bit strong so I placed a few pebbles over the UV outlet to divert and break up flow. I have an idea for the HOB but for now I have it turned down to low. There is still some exploring going on but overall everyone looks healthy and Dexter(cat) took to watching them closely right away. Sorry for the long post and thanks for checking it out! Zack before the bubble wand was removed
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Post by parker002 on Feb 20, 2015 20:20:51 GMT -5
We're glad you're here! It sounds like your situation is improving - ah, the power of Prayer. By the way, your tank looks pretty awesome.
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 21, 2015 3:16:56 GMT -5
I really like the silk plants I have. They are BiOrb brand, also the two tall grasses are BiOrb brand(can't remember the the names off hand) and I am very satisfied with them. The flagfish are being very rambunctious and more active now that the lights are out. They have been pecking at the glass and hoses/cords, cleaning any starting algae I suspect. Without having an ammonia spike I am going to be testing daily for nitrites/nitrates and will have ammonguard on hand just in case.
So far the female has been only slightly bothered by one male while the other two are hanging out together. Depending on how things go I am debating on returning the female and going with all males. My dilemma is the peacock gudgeon that I am going to be getting. They both occupy the same strata and I do not want the gudgeon bullied. So maybe just a pair of flag fish. I am not sure yet. At the LFS they were in with GLO Tetra and I did see some agression towards them.
Through discussion with my coworker that breeds informed that he had a pair of gudgeon that have just recently laid eggs. I am hoping to receive some juveniles when they are ready. Hopefully everyone can adapt and get along.
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Post by Carl on Feb 21, 2015 11:34:11 GMT -5
Your aquarium is looking good!
Burying the UV Filter makes less of an eyesore and also the gravel should perform some added pre-filtration
Carl
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Feb 21, 2015 15:26:48 GMT -5
Yup, looks great and I like how you hide the filter.
Having that many males with the female, could cause a issue. I would just check to see how they are treating her.
Yup. wash and wash again.
Coming along nicely!
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 22, 2015 15:43:31 GMT -5
Thanks guys! I like to think I am doing it right, haha.
I have noted that the 3 males are all a different size, Big, Medium and Small. So far Big and Small are hanging out together and Medium has take
to the female. The female doesn't seem to mind Medium too much because he chases off Big and Small when they start to pester her. Although,
Medium is giving slight chase to Lady(that is what I named her) she will sometimes initiate this. Maybe I will see the Jordanella Floridae
mating dance where the female tags the male and darts away. He follows and with her facing him, he stops, and does a slow-motion backward flip.
I have read this is done primarily at night.
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 25, 2015 5:15:13 GMT -5
HELP! My CUP-609 was making a very odd sound this morning. It almost sounded like a grinding. Any advice from the experts? I have to work so after work I am going to take it a part. I checked the discharge end with the propeller and there were no rocks in there. It was fine last night then when I woke up it was making the noise.
Thanks.
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 25, 2015 7:54:29 GMT -5
Okay, crisis averted. I made a little extra time before work and was able to take the UV partially apart. I removed the propeller housing and the sleeve. When I took the sleeve off a few pieces of gravel fell out so I gently shook it some more and more gravel came out. I put it back together and placed it back in the tank, plugged it back in and she was quiet as a church mouse.
Since I unburied it and now unable to re bury it without making a mess and comotion I am going to build a containment box out of plexi glass for it. What this will allow me to do is put the UV in to it and place the gravel on top of it and remove/place as a whole. This will make things easier and less stressful.
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swimfin27
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Breeding is the ultimate joy!
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Post by swimfin27 on Feb 26, 2015 18:51:42 GMT -5
Let me start by saying Thanks again to AAP for another successful delivery. I got my sweet piece of driftwood, some sponge filters(two for the 30g) and various other supplies.
The fish are looking good, I added two more females and everyone looks happy. Water parameters are : nitrate- 20 nitrite- 3 ph- 7 Kh-120 and Gh-180+ I believe the nitrate is a little high so going to keep an eye on that. I did a 15% water change this morning and will probably do another tomorrow. My step dad said his work has a 50g sitting around and the I could have it so it is official, I am addicted.
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Post by parker002 on Feb 27, 2015 10:13:46 GMT -5
Nitrate is not really too high yet but you don't want to let it go much higher. However, the presence of nitrite says your cycle is not yet done. I would suggest dosing with Seachem Prime as necessary since nitrite is both toxic and could indicate the presence of ammonia.
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