Misskiwi's 5 Gallon Journal

[Misskiwi67]

Ok, so Im starting an official journal to keep everything in one place. My test kits have arrived so hopefully now I have enough real info to get some real help...

5 gallon eclipse system. Yes, it has a biowheel. If I need to, I'll remove it, but for now its still there and functioning.

10W 6500K compact flourescent light. Anybody know what this is equivalent to?

Currently NO fish... I had 2 guppy trios, but they all died of velvet. I might add my betta, but I'm afraid I'll kill him too. He's 5 years old and a retired breeder who gave me many good babies.

As of 20 minutes ago parameters were:

KH = 9
pH = 7.2-7.4 (my kit sucks)
Nitrite = 0
I believe this means my CO2 (nutrafin system) is between 10 and 17 ppm

Do I need any other test kits? Should I test my water again in the morning? I'm planning a water change as soon as I'm done posting, will that make any difference?

I have some algae, but it has started dying off slowly now that I fixed the CO2 leak.

Here's a reminder photo from before the algae, planting tips are welcomed!!

 

[chameleongeekgrl]

Really thats only a five gallon? I love how you are able to make a small tank look bigger than it is. Looks good!

 

[Misskiwi67]

haha.... I wish it still looked that good! (thanks though!!)

I've got diatoms and hair algae (nothing major yet) and some of the plants are thriving while others have turned to mush.

I'm cleaning and replanting as we speak... hopefully I'll have updated pics to go with any tweaking suggestions people have in a few days.

 

[Misskiwi67]

Ok, so I replanted and pulled everything that died. My lily is looking awfully orange and not growing at all. Any ideas on what Im missing?

Heres the latest pic, taken this evening after the dust had a chance to settle. Any planting tips? Anyone???

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

are you using ferts? do you have a Co2 Injector? this could be because of the lack of nutriuents.

EDIT: my bad looks like you do have a Co2 injector.

 

[Misskiwi67]

are you using ferts? do you have a Co2 Injector? this could be because of the lack of nutriuents.

EDIT: my bad looks like you do have a Co2 injector.

I have a good layer of laterite under the sand, and I have Flourish, but since my nitrite was undetectable, I have a feeling I'm not dosing enough, or using the wrong product. Could nitrite alone be the problem?

 

[juicebox]

flourish will give you nitrate, not nitrite (which is harmful to fish).

 

[Misskiwi67]

flourish will give you nitrate, not nitrite (which is harmful to fish).

Haha... that means I bought the wrong test kit... man I feel smart tonight. At least now I know my nitrites are good Dangit, that means I'm going to have to go to petsmart and try not to bring home another gecko... grrr

Ok, so I have KH, pH, Ammonia (old), and Nitrite, is there anything else I should pick up, teskits, fertilizer or otherwise while I'm there?