Looking For Insights

[StandbySetting]

A note on test kit, the majority of liquid hobby test kits are no more accurate than their liquid counter parts, the only exception that I have found to this so far are Saliferts.

Molly's should be fine in fresh water providing it is fairly hard, and nitrate is only really poses a problem at levels of 400PPM< so your 20PPM is really nothing to worry about.

 

[lots_to_learn]

On another note: My plattys...don't know how I managed this mistake but they are actually both male. The mickey mouse platty just has a larger belly and I thought when I brought it home the rear fin was fanned out, but no...definately male.

One thing about livebearers, sometimes they are late to show themselves as male. So, depending on how old he was when you got him, he might have actually just be late developing and has now shown himself to actually be a male.

Awesome, so I'm not just retarded. hahah

A note on test kit, the majority of liquid hobby test kits are no more accurate than their liquid counter parts, the only exception that I have found to this so far are Saliferts.

Molly's should be fine in fresh water providing it is fairly hard, and nitrate is only really poses a problem at levels of 400PPM< so your 20PPM is really nothing to worry about.

I will keep that in mind and pick up a good test kit asap. It also looks like I am selling a piece of furnature today so I'll have a few extra bucks. Yay! The water is fairly hard, I'll know more about how hard it is when I get a better test kit for sure. It just seems like almost all the fish were acting strange almost like they were stressed after I added the salt and are back to normal activity now that I have pretty much removed it. I don't know if I added too much despite adding just under the amount is says on the box for 55 gallons. I added enough for about 53-54 gallons to subtract for the rocks and decor. The nitrate is good to hear. I've always seen it test 0 so I was a little worried. Also the spike in pH really caught me off guard. Now, test strips being inaccurate I could be wrong on both parts but I always use two strips on every test to be sure and it was obvious te pH was higher then it usually tests. Anyway, they are happier right now...pending survival of the sick molly. I'll get a new test kit today if I can manage it.

Thanks for the help!

 

[lots_to_learn]

Okay everyone I got the new test kit! Results:

from the tank:

pH-8
Nitrite - 0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrate - 5 ppm

From the tap I get the water from:
pH - 7.6
the rest is the same

Now, I have 40 gallons worth of Tetra Correct pH. Would that be fine to use it in the 55 gallon or should I just do a water change until I can get some more or something else?