Sharkitty

I could guess at the answer, based on all the things I've learned here, but I'm hoping someone is totally down with water chemistry . . .

Since Finny's tank isn't cycled at all and has had multiple meds I am thinking (based on recommendations here) that I should replace all the filter media and dump in the TSS tonight.

The question is how much water to change first. Since his pH is really low I am on a 20% daily plan (tank is 6.0 or less, tap is 7.0). Do you think I need to do more? Especially since the ammonium (resulting from low pH) maybe not feed the TSS as well?

Shawnie

if it was me, id replace EVERYTHING...new media and totally new water, (should help with the ph) ..once you replace everything and add the water with your conditioner, let it run 24 hours , then add TSS...

Sharkitty

What about Finny with the pH change?

Shawnie

acclimate him 1/8th of a cup at a time..over a period of an hour or so....take him out prior to adding the new water, with the water he is in, and put him in a bowl or something...act as if he was new to you and just remove water and add fresh water to the container until he is 100% your tap water...then readd him to his tank...

Sharkitty

Must...resist...urge...to buy...5 gallon

Shawnie

sowwy ...I will NOT talk you out of that

Sharkitty

Okay, now I'm just going to blather . . .

I really like the looks of the mini bows, but I don't use that filter, so it will cost me $60 to get a plastic container with light. Though I suppose it would be $45 to get a 5.5 All Glass with a pretty light, and then the tank is not cute at all. So maybe $60 isn't so bad? Gah!

Shawnie

ill ramble with ya...you can get a full 10 or 20 gal kit for just as much and have a few more bettas sowwy couldnt help it...

Sharkitty

Yeah, I don't like the divided tank thing, though; it seems kind of mean to stress the boys out by making them look at the others. And 10 won't fit in my office (in a location where I can look at it). When I start feeling rich I'm going to buy a set up for my house - probably at least 30 gallons.

Shawnie

although I dont know your office setup, and didnt realize you were limited for space,I still wont tell you or advise not to buy another tank hahaha.... but I can tell you the divided tanks are not all stressful..if you dont care for them, I totally understand..but dont be misled that the betta wouldnt care for them...each is different.....matter of fact, i have a few bettas(5) that if not beside another, are totally depressed, lethargic, wont eat, and just lay around ...but i also have some that do not care for neighbors and flare constantly (they now have their own 3 gals)

agabr123

i agree with shawnie, i had my 10 gallon divided for all of about two days and got tired of it, lol. it can be a real pain.

i think that the TSS won't work if your pH is too low and the ammonia is turned into ammonium, that's why it won't work if you dose with prime because prime does basically the same thing. so i'd suggest doing a very large water change so that your pH is at least 7 (if you leave your water sitting for an hour or two the pH should go up a little). do you have driftwood in the tank or anything else that would lower pH?

Sharkitty

Got Fin a new tank - 100% new water. Yay for 5 gallon Mini Bows!

agabr123

congrats on the new tank! that's always exciting

Sharkitty

Thank you! It is. And the TSS cycled it over the weekend. I just hope it holds. Someone just came by and seemed somewhat aghast that I would *only* have a betta in it. :P

agabr123

lol, i wonder what they would say about my tanks

pepetj

Glad to hear you managed to solve Finny's problem. I haven't post here but have been following your thread up.

I do have one complain though:
What about uploading a pic (or two or three) of Finny in his new tank?

Pepe
Santo Domingo

Sharkitty

Complain and you shall receive!

You guys can vote on whether I leave the background on or not (the first photo just shows the chair behind the tank).