bolivianbaby

I got my 20 gallon off of Craigslist last night. They had removed most of the water and just left one false julii cory (he's HUGE) and one MM platy in the tank so we could move it easier. We got it all set up last night and I checked my water parameters this morning.

pH 6.6
ammonia 0.25
Trites-0
Trates-20-WOW! That's after what I'd consider a 90% water change.

It came with a very sludgy, very noisy Aquatech filter that I'll be replacing today. I have sponges in my cycled tanks to put in the new filter (Penguin Biowheel 150-I like those). I'm also going to get a heater (paranoia) so I can keep the temperature steady.

As far as the nitrates go, 50% water changes daily until they come down to 5-10. Does that sound right? I keep my other tanks at 5-10 nitrates because it seems to bring out their color more and they seem much happier.

When everything with the water parameters is resolved, I'll be moving the platy and cory to another tank and putting either a convict, a jewel, or a krib cichlid (I haven't decided yet). I have to do the research on the proper PH levels for the cichlids (I have crushed coral if I need to increase it).

Please let me know if my plans for the water changes and the filter sound good.

Thanks

Shawnie

sounds like a great plan! make sure you use some prime or another detoxifier for the ammonia...you will need daily changes until the mini cycle finishes up ...goodluck

aquarist48

Good morning Bolivia...sounds like you're on the right track. Good to see you're doing research on the fish you would like to keep before buying them. Congrats on the new tank. Hope you can share some pictures with us along the way Best of luck!

bolivianbaby

Good point. I'm kinda hoping that the ammonia disappears after I get a strong filter in there. I'm not sure how many fish she had in there. She took out everything but what I told her I'd keep.

I just could not believe those nitrate readings. I don't even want to know what they were before. It's kinda scary.

Good morning aquarist48! There will definitely be pictures! I also have to give you all updated pics on the other aquariums. We added a Buddha to my daughter's 20 gallon and one of my 29's. We figured he'd give us good luck! LOL!

Regal

I guess that's almost to be expected with the nitrates. I mean if you think about it if someone has lost interest in their tank to the point that they are selling it on craigslist they've probably been neglected it a little. Probably just pouring in some water as it evaporates. A few water changes and I'm sure it will be fine. Can't wait to see your pics!