How are my water conditions?

[Retired Viking]

Yes, I can see it contains no nitrates, that is good. Very good choice . Only concern is the copper. Not good for snails or shrimp.

 

[JuiceBox52]

If you plan on getting snails or shrimp I would stop the ferts and do a couple water changes

 

[communityfluvalroma]

I appreciate your help on this. I will hold off on adding anymore fertiliser until the Nitrate levels have dropped to at least 20ppm.

The anacharis and water sprite are growing healthily in the tank at the moment, is it wise to cut from these plants and re-plant or to buy more?

 

[JuiceBox52]

I appreciate your help on this. I will hold off on adding anymore fertiliser until the Nitrate levels have dropped to at least 20ppm.

The anacharis and water sprite are growing healthily in the tank at the moment, is it wise to cut from these plants and re-plant or to buy more?

Probably buy more. As many plants as you can get to keep the nitrate under control

 

[utahfish]

I appreciate your help on this. I will hold off on adding anymore fertiliser until the Nitrate levels have dropped to at least 20ppm.

The anacharis and water sprite are growing healthily in the tank at the moment, is it wise to cut from these plants and re-plant or to buy more?

Adding your nitrate free fert shouldnt be a problem the plants still need the other nutrients that it provides and it wont raise ypur nitrates.

Cut and replant

 

[communityfluvalroma]

If you plan on getting snails or shrimp I would stop the ferts and do a couple water changes

My plans for the aquarium change regularly at the moment, thanks to the advice from this forum. I'm still not 100% sure what fish/shrimp I can and should add based on my water hardness and conditions. The end goal is to have a well established, planted tank with community fish. Shrimp are part of the plan as well, but they will be one of my last additions as I've read they are very sensitive and can and should only be added to a well established tank.

 

[Retired Viking]

I would keep adding you fertilizer, Depending on you time frame for adding fish, I would buy more. What type of fish are you planing to have?

 

[utahfish]

My plans for the aquarium change regularly at the moment, thanks to the advice from this forum. I'm still not 100% sure what fish/shrimp I can and should add based on my water hardness and conditions. The end goal is to have a well established, planted tank with community fish. Shrimp are part of the plan as well, but they will be one of my last additions as I've read they are very sensitive and can and should only be added to a well established tank.

As long as the copper is low amount it shouldnt be a problem. Copper can accumulate in the tank over time but most ferts have it in very small amounts. You are correct in waiting for your tank to be fully cycled before adding inverts like snails and shrimp but with high nitrates theyre going to be grumpy as well

 

[communityfluvalroma]

I would keep adding you fertilizer, Depending on you time frame for adding fish, I would buy more. What type of fish are you planing to have?

I will continue with my weekly doses.

The time frame for adding fish is entirely based on my water conditions. I will only add them once the conditions are just right.

My plans for the aquarium change regularly at the moment, thanks to the advice from this forum. I'm still not 100% sure what fish/shrimp I can and should add based on my water hardness and conditions. The end goal is to have a well established, planted tank with community fish. Shrimp are part of the plan as well, but they will be one of my last additions as I've read they are very sensitive and can and should only be added to a well established tank.

 

[Retired Viking]

What I am looking at for allowing the anacharis and to a lesser degree the water sprite to grow and not cut yet is the increased exchange rate and absorption once the plant reaches the surface. You could buy more and let it float to achieve this too.

 

[communityfluvalroma]

As long as the copper is low amount it shouldnt be a problem. Copper can accumulate in the tank over time but most ferts have it in very small amounts. You are correct in waiting for your tank to be fully cycled before adding inverts like snails and shrimp but with high nitrates theyre going to be grumpy as well

Would using RO water help? I've read that it will reduce the Nitrate levels, however it can reduce the pH levels?

 

[Retired Viking]

RO pretty much reduces everything. I use it for my soft water tetras.

 

[communityfluvalroma]

What I am looking at for allowing the anacharis and to a lesser degree the water sprite to grow and not cut yet is the increased exchange rate and absorption once the plant reaches the surface. You could buy more and let it float to achieve this too.

I'll order a couple more bunches right away, thank you for your help.

 

[Retired Viking]

Ph is important but the thing with ph levels is keeping it steady once you have it established you do not want it jumping around - high one day low the next.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Hello!

The tank is looking good.

I agree with everything said above. Your nitrate is way to high.

Ph is important but the thing with ph levels is keeping it steady once you have it established you do not want it jumping around - high one day low the next.

I agree. If your ph is to high, you can get more driftwood. This is an easy way to lower your ph levels.

The only thing I can suggest is getting more plants.