Got The Api Test Kit.... Questions

[SG_Dude]

So I finally stopped using the test strips and got the liquid test kit.
I have .25 ammonia in every tank and the tap water looks like .125.
The nitrite and nitrate are fine.
I do weekly water changes.

So, what do I do?
Switch from stress coat to prime?
Feed them less food?
Give away a couple fish?

When you do the water changes
how often you you do a deep vacuum?
Every week, Every other, monthly?

I leave the lights on for 14 hours.
Should I get that down to 12 hours?

The fish are all doing ok for now.
Thanks for any ideas or advise.

Read more: mod edit

 

[This Old Spouse]

I only have my lights on for about 6 hours a day, 2 hours in the morning and 4 at night. I'd also feed a bit less to see if that helps. Also, test your tap water after leaving a glassful sitting out for 24 hours.

You should vac the gravel with every water change, IMO.

Let us know how big your tank is and who's living in it.

 

[fluttermoth]

I only have my lights on for about 6 hours a day, 2 hours in the morning and 4 at night. I'd also feed a bit less to see if that helps. Also, test your tap water after leaving a glassful sitting out for 24 hours.

You should vac the gravel with every water change, IMO.

Let us know how big your tank is and who's living in it.

+1

Are you reading your tests in daylight? As a lot of flourescent lighting, especially energy saving bulbs, can make the test look greener than it is.

 

[SG_Dude]

Thank you! need to reply to you later. Please see new thread....

 

[SG_Dude]

Thanks for the good ideas.

Yes, tests have been read in flourescent.

Like a deep to the bottom of the glass vacuum?

I will test tap after sitting 24 hours also.

I will feed and light less.

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, tests have been read in flourescent.

Yeah, try doing them in daylight; they might be zero or nearer zero than you think.

Like a deep to the bottom of the glass vacuum?

Well, yes, but you don't have to do the whole base every time; you can do half or a third one time and then the next bit the next time.

I will test tap after sitting 24 hours also.

Yeah, good idea; sometimes chloramin can give a false positive reading for ammonia I believe.

I will feed and light less.

Nearly everyone overfeeds and over lights their tanks; it's easily done!

 

[SG_Dude]

Thank you. I'll give an update when I get the power outage spike under control.