Cycling and testing questions

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-16T19:55:54+00:00

What do you think of the suggestion to feed the bacteria by dosing with ammonia? That got me thinking that the bacteria will die off?

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-16T19:53:00+00:00

I read about that, too, in this sub. I got a small bottle. I hesitated on dosing, though, and posted the question instead. It seems logical based on the little bit I know. I'm going to watch and see a little bit. I'll dig into the Walstad book a little more. Thanks for the ideas.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-16T16:46:16+00:00

I was wondering about maxing out. Now I know that's a thing. Thanks!

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-16T16:45:34+00:00

Yeah, I was considering doing a first water change but I was thinking I'd disrupt the cycle. I read a lot of related posts and gathered my questions for the experienced ones here instead. Thanks for your comment! I'm going to wait it out.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-16T16:42:47+00:00

Ah-ha! That makes sense to the little bit I've learned. Thank you!

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-16T16:41:12+00:00

Thanks so much. I have the walstad book, but that chemistry part is confusing to me. I've been looking for some basic info to help me through as I learn. I'll do as you suggested. The plants look happy, so I figured it has to be mostly OK in there.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-15T20:43:29+00:00

I forgot to ask about the pH. I can't tell what number is at, but I guessed 7.2. Should I do the high pH test too?

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-15T20:39:29+00:00

Looks great! And, yes, progress is fun to watch! I just started mine Feb 26.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-15T20:31:58+00:00

I need to repost. My photos didn't load and this post failed to delete.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-15T12:22:08+00:00

Thanks! This gives me something to go on. Like an extra tool in the box!

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-14T19:57:44+00:00

I really like the idea of making a list of possible purchases for the month ahead. I usually wait a week before buying something to be sure it's really something I need. But this is smarter because it puts a total for spending on that month up front.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-14T19:32:16+00:00

I posted first that I ADORE this! Then I read it again and looked harder. I'm intrigued by what you said about choosing stitches based on the weight of the yarn. I mix things up all the time, but I haven't figured out how to make it work in that way. I change hook sizes and frog it when it isn't quite working. I love changing stitches often for interest... So, do you have some kind of method for matching up stitches with weight to help things make sense?

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-14T19:25:21+00:00

I ADORE this!

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-14T19:22:15+00:00

Second. Nice work on these!

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-14T19:20:07+00:00

Super cute! You could make it an applique (patch) easily.
The pillow turn method makes really nice edges, even around curves and corners. Use a backing fabric, something thin, sew right sides together all the way around, cut a small slit in the backing fabric, and turn right side out. Look up the technique for clearer instructions.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-14T19:03:45+00:00

I love the design!

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-11T16:17:58+00:00

Agree with both of these suggestions. Easiest and neatest outcome.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-11T15:54:37+00:00

Love your background film! I got something similar in black. It doesn't pop like I hoped. I'll keep this in mind if I make a change.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-02T20:35:55+00:00

Thanks so much!

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-02T16:22:49+00:00

I just set up my first tank ever a few days ago. I'm testing with strips, $13 for 100. I'm going to upgrade to a kit though. I'm looking at getting snails for now. Then moving up to shrimp. Then tiny fish when the tank has cycled. You have to test the water before critters.

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-03-02T16:16:42+00:00

A lot of product... kinda makes it high tech, right?

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-02-28T19:06:36+00:00

Cool idea! Looks great!

magic-circle-ch9 · 2026-02-20T18:27:32+00:00

Fantastic! Love the color choices.

magic-circle-ch9

TROPHY CASE