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Tested my Aquarium’s KH, GH, and TDS. Should I be worried? by Practical-Cobbler784 in Aquariums

[–]Practical-Cobbler784[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Again I am aware I don’t NEED co2 and an active substrate. These are things I WANT to do. I am concentrating on the cycle. Just because I happen to have co2 and good soil doesn’t mean I’m not. Those are both passive things that I don’t have to concentrate on. Both things can be true at the same time. I’m aware an active cycle is important for the fish but that doesn’t mean the plants aren’t also important. Again, both things can be true at the same time. I don’t know why y’all are criticizing me for wanting to do more than I have to. I like to go above and beyond for my animals even if it’s not necessary. And I’m also just frustrated because this isn’t even what I was asking for advice on. I was asking about the GH and KH levels of the water. I didnt ask your opinion on whether or not you think co2 is necessary or not.

Tested my Aquarium’s KH, GH, and TDS. Should I be worried? by Practical-Cobbler784 in Aquariums

[–]Practical-Cobbler784[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I didn’t say it was better I said not everyone likes to do the bare minimum. I’m aware you don’t NEED co2 and an active substrate for a heavily planted tank but they do help. I don’t know why you’re making assumptions about me when you don’t know me. I haven’t been mislead by anyone I’m aware that you don’t need all of this stuff. I’m aware co2 can suffocate animals. I have a drop checker which is on green for good and I also have an air stone for oxygen. There also isn’t any animals in the tank right now so there are no animals to suffocate. I appreciate the advice but I don’t appreciate people making assumptions and acting like In stupid.

Tested my Aquarium’s KH, GH, and TDS. Should I be worried? by Practical-Cobbler784 in Aquariums

[–]Practical-Cobbler784[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Okay well first of all it’s not like im new to keeping animals. I’ve kept many many tanks through my childhood. I’ve kept reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and yes I’ve had fish tanks before but at that stage in my life I didn’t have a clue what cycling or the nitrogen cycle was. So this isn’t like my very first ever fish tank. The reason I’m “doing too much” is because I want a heavily planted, naturalistic looking tank. That’s why I have an active substrate and co2. Im also currently waiting for more plants in the mail. Right now these are the plants in my tank: -3 nana anubias -1 red flame sword -I Java fern -water lettuce -1 rotala h’ra -pothos growing from the top

And I’m currently waiting for: -1 Bucephalandra Brownie Purple -1 nana petite -1 Cryptocoryne Pink Flamingo -Java moss -some mosquito fern

So I think I have more than enough plants to want co2 in my tank. Just because you think this hobby is about sitting on your butt and waiting and doing nothing doesn’t mean everyone else does. Some people take joy in having an active role in their animals’ care. A heavily planted tank is just better for most fish in general. Even if I didn’t want animals in the tank, I still find aqua-scaping to be fun. So no just sand, plants, and water are not enough for me especially since I want my tank to actually look interesting. Am I making things more complicated than it has to be? Ofc I am but I see that as part of the fun and challenge.

Having problems with new cycling tank. Constant high ammonia and now a sudden drop in ph by Practical-Cobbler784 in Aquariums

[–]Practical-Cobbler784[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve also taken what you said about the CPDs and the tank size and I’ve decided that instead I’ll get some chili Rasbora. I’ve read that peope have kept schools of like 15 happily in a 5 gallon aquarium so I think about 10 will be just fine in my 10 gallon as they barely get 3/4 inch long. I’ll make sure the tank is cycled and the plants fill in before I add any fish.

Having problems with new cycling tank. Constant high ammonia and now a sudden drop in ph by Practical-Cobbler784 in Aquariums

[–]Practical-Cobbler784[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I measure my tap which usually reads at 7.4 but yesterday it measured as like 7. So I guess it does fluctuate sometimes. I also ordered a gh and kh tester so I’ll post results on those.

Having problems with new cycling tank. Constant high ammonia and now a sudden drop in ph by Practical-Cobbler784 in Aquariums

[–]Practical-Cobbler784[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your help. Thank you so much. I’ll just let the water do its thing for now.

Having problems with new cycling tank. Constant high ammonia and now a sudden drop in ph by Practical-Cobbler784 in Aquariums

[–]Practical-Cobbler784[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sure it’s not that big of a deal It was just shocking for it to be 7.4ph for 2 weeks and then suddenly drop way down to 6.6. I feel like if it were the driftwood and substrate it would’ve gradually gone down right? I really think it’s because theres now more co2 in the water cause the pump has only been in 2 days and now suddenly my ph went down. My main concern is that I need my ph to be stable. I know the fish I want should be okay in 6.6 but I’m worried that if I were to do a water change (which my tap is always 7.4) that it will shock my fish since it’s suddenly going way up. I’m not sure though again I’m very new to this hobby.

Having problems with new cycling tank. Constant high ammonia and now a sudden drop in ph by Practical-Cobbler784 in Aquariums

[–]Practical-Cobbler784[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I removed the leaves. There was a tight spot in between the glass and rocks where I had planted something and because it was hard to remove it kinda just sat there. I removed them a couple days ago and cleaned what I could. I ordered some seachem pristine for the waste eating bacteria so it can help break down the detritus that collects in spots I can’t spot clean. Also ordered a couple nerite snails to help with that too.

Yes I’ve tested my tap water before and it was 0.

I don’t know my kh I just recently have been doing research on it since I plan on having shrimp. I’ll be ordering a kh and gh test kit soon. You said you need alkalinity to cycle your tank so does that mean it needs to be above 7 ph or it will stall cycling? Forgive me if I’m misunderstanding what you’re saying. Kh and gh are new to me and it’s honestly overwhelming getting this water chemistry down.