catersun

Ok.. so I have a challenge... if we start out with tap water untreated that already tests for ammonia @ 2 Nitites >.25 nitrates at between 5 and 10, and a pH of around 7.

Treating with a variety of chemical declorinators does little to change these same parameters. We can get ammonia down 0 with Start Right made by Jungle but then the nitrites spike. Prime brought the ammonia down to 1 and topfin's product 1.

SO... we are thinking about pre cycling water in a holding tank with it's own bio filter and plants to cycle the ammonia, nitite into nitrate and use plants to use up the nitrate... or not since the show tank is lightly planted.


Anyone have any ideas or thoughts on this?

The fish appear to be fine in the tank. We have been in the process of dailey water changes to try and bring down a nitrate level that was high, but I wanted to know what the tap water and treated water we were starting with tested like, and I think this may be some of the person's problem is the water we are starting with.

bmxer193

Are you sure your tap water has ammonia, Nitites, and nitrates?!?! my tap water has none of that there all at 0 and the ph is 6.8. What kind of test kit are you using?

If i were you i would just put chemicals in the treat all these problems before you put new water in, your tank is cycled RIGHT( if its not that is most likely your problem)?

And "chemical declorinators" should do little to help you because they only remove heavy metals (like copper from pipes) and clorine from the water. As far as i know it wont effect the nitrates, Nitrites and ect...

Hope this helps
Brandyn

catersun

Well... here that is what we have. I tested everything correctly with an API master test kit. Our city water is pulled off an intercoastal waterway where there is a good bit of fertilzer leached from lawns. I checked the local water report and they have the same number on their 2006 report that I got from my kit.

Chemicals = BAD for fish

and um.. YEA... the tank has been established for a year.

I'd much rather remove the ammonia and nitrites naturally rather than with chemicals.

I'd like some input from people that would or have used precycled water for their tank.

Kevin

pre-cycling sounds like a good idea to me...that really sucks that you have to do that

sirdarksol

Personally, I would get an in-line water filter for the house and draw water not only for the tank but also for human consumption from that.
The amount of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates that you list are not only bad for fish, but also for people. This is just my opinion on this, though.

If you want to do this, yeah, you could have a large, heavily planted tank to draw the toxins out of the water.
Another option (expensive, though setting up a planted tank isn't cheap, either) would be to get a canister filter and use ammonia and nitrogen removing media in it.

zigmeister

We use filtered water from the fridge for human consumption. I like the idea of a heavily planted tank though.

p.s. catersun is talking about my tank.... lol I was being the chemist while she was writing the posts.

Dino

You could even set up a prefilter using non submurged plants.

Many southern water treatment plants use water hyacynth to remove metals and fertilizers from their water.

I have heard of people using lucky bamboo to do this.

zigmeister

hmmm... could I grow water hyacinth in an aquarium?? Maybe I need to get another aquarium in order to decrease the overstocking in my first tank and see if that doesn't help the cloudy water problem. Of course, if it doesn't, then I 'm looking at 2 tanks with cloudy water....

Kevin

...the more tanks, the better...its refferred as MTS on fishlore (multiple tank syndrome)
most people get it, and the ones who can afford it usually end up with tons of tanks ranging from 3 gal. to 100 gal

zigmeister

*looks around house deciding which furniture can go to make room for more fish tanks!!!!* Hmmmm, if I get rid of the TV, I could put about a 100g tank there... a pretty corner tank <-----the wheels are turning... lol this can only mean one thing.... TROUBLE!!!!

Kevin

its starting!!!!
the bed...the couch...the closet (fishroom)...as long as the kitchen stays partially intact

catersun

Kevin... the fish tanks have already invaded the kitchen lol She has too many BIG windows to be tank friendly lol

Kevin

...just as long as you can use it...normally...
but everything else...who needs 'em
already solved the bathroom for ya
http://www.techtickerblog.com/wp-con...fishnflush.jpg

zigmeister

Hey!!! that's what they make curtains for!!! lol hahahaha... love the toilet!!!! someone to talk to while doing your business!!!

catersun

E.W.

Kevin

...great for a betta or some male guppies...i might get one of those, but just use it as a fish tank...no poopin in the fish tank

zigmeister

Now put that in the middle of your living room and you will have a real conversation piece!


piece? or peice... neither looks right.... oh heck, make it a conversation item, it's easier to spell .... lol

jsalemi

I before E, except after C.

zigmeister

thanks for the spelling lesson.. lol I knew that... really I did... lol but it was 3:41am on one of my many sleepless nights... so I think I should get a spelling pass due to lack of sleep....lol

Kevin

i always need a spelling pass...i've had to edit about half of my total posts to correct some sort of spelling error
i made to in this one, but corrected them b4 i hit "post"
^
make that three...not on purpose

zigmeister

lol....why do they teach spelling in school?? You are either good at it or you aren't...lol
by the way.... I have made room for the next tank. Now I just need some moolaa to buy it. I picked out a nice 60 gal long tank with a black stand. Will look loverly in my living room.

Kevin

hahaha...and the mts claims yet another victim!

zigmeister

After I got done doing all the rearranging for a new tank, I balanced my checkbook. I need a Santa! Or a very generous relative....lol!

catersun

you need patience and to start looking for a used tank....

Yard Sales are your friend!

Kevin

craigslist and ebay help to
i found a 55gal. w/ all equipment for $70 on c'list
someone on here found a 75gal. at a yard sale for like $30

catersun

I got my 46 gal bowfront with stand and all the stuffs at a yardsale for $20. Bought a new filter and heater and decorations.

I've been keeping my eye on the local classifieds and c
s list for her.... she's just impatient.

Kevin

haha...nice find!

Peterpiper

Quote .. 'SO... we are thinking about pre cycling water in a holding tank with it's own bio filter and plants to cycle the ammonia, nitite into nitrate and use plants to use up the nitrate... or not since the show tank is lightly planted. "
I would be looking at installing a 5um and carbon filter in your house, you can get the ones that fit under your sink, from the levels you have given in your tap water I do not believe that your water is fit for human consumption. we have installed this type of filter, and now I can get the tap water add the salt let it mix then add it to the tank. And we now have great drinking water!

zigmeister

Okay, I have done it. I bought a 60 gallon tank with stand (thanks to catersun for finding it on c's list for me). It came with a filter but it is not of sufficient size for a 60 gallon tank and does not have a bio-wheel. So, I will be purchasing a new filter and light.
I solved my high nitrate problem. I had an algae bloom. That took the nitrates right down. Of course you can't see through the water for the algae. I just don't understand it, this tank has had crystal clear water up until a month ago. I didn't do anything different than I have ever done. It will be interesting to see how clear the water is once I get the algae cleared out.

Kevin

ive heard those algae blooms can be really nasty...h2o changes will help