Nitrates

[Andi]

I've been messing around with tablets My new nitrAte test kist (80) is a nutraFin 3btl kit. Think its a good idea to get some strips - and as you say use 'proper' test kit if all is not well

 

[wetwetwet]

There ease of use makes them ideal as a check.

Once the tank is mature the fish soon indicate if anythings wrong. I generally don't test that often now (occassionally) or if something seems wrong.

 

[Andi]

There ease of use makes them ideal as a check.

Once the tank is mature the fish soon indicate if anythings wrong. I generally don't test that often now (occassionally) or if something seems wrong.

now called the cryosi syndrome

 

[wetwetwet]

huh

 

[Andi]

Cryosi's water testing seems to be "if its clear water - its ok"

 

[wetwetwet]

lol

wish it were that simple.....

 

[slt]

the water can be crystal clear but that does'nt mean that the water is
safe, i take the readings of am nit nitra once a week, because even if
the fish look fine, that itself does'nt mean the levels are low,

 

[Andi]

well said slt

something may look clear and innocent but be deadly.

oh, my straw poll for tonight......

My (single) Golden Barb (thought to be a good community fish) is bullying my sd's do I ......
a leave him to it?
b pop him in my birthing pool in the hex? or
c put him in my bow tank (he'll be there eventually) where I have the nitrAte probs?

 

[wetwetwet]

slt yes, very good practice, I guess I'm getting lazy.

But I do find that the fishes behaviour, condition, breathing..etc. for me has been the best early warning that there could be a problem. I spend alot of time watching them each day and if something doesn't seem quite right I will test the water and occassionally before a water change.

 

[slt]

he's probably bulling andi because like all barbs they like to be in a small shoal,

 

[Andi]

I waych my fishies too (don't we all) and if my sd's look like their panting then i'm already a day or two late with a water change.

Oh, and the difference between my 3 pristella tetras in the hex (slugish)and the 5 in the 3' are amazing - like two different species.

 

[Andi]

yes slt, that was going to be d but a,b, & c where immediate descisions. Oh and have not seen golden barbs 2" long in any fish shop. Would he (guessing) be ok with smaller barbs?

 

[slt]

answer then c as barbs are a good fish to use in the tank cycle,
i would think he'd be fine with smaller barbs, the golden barb are said to
be a peaceful fish,

 

[Andi]

quick as a flash - he's in there.

lights off and in a decent sized bag to acclimatise himself - lucky begger (I hope)

 

[slt]

he should be fine andi, but keep an eye on him, and he realy does need
his own little family,