Recent content by camtheram

I did my first water change today (20%) and I was wondering about technique. I pretty much took a cup and removed the water I wanted to remove, then I slowly added the new water and then added API stress coat after I was finished. I did all this with my fish in the tank. Does it matter when you...

I have test strips for nitrite and nitrate. All my tests have been fine. Why would I do a water change if all my levels are good?

Well I ended up buying an ammonia test (made by API), stress coat (planned on doing a water change today), and some conditioning salt. I tested the water before doing my water change and the test came out fine. I mean the color of the API ammonia test water was almost the exact yellow that...

How toxic is the liquid test stuff for ammonia? I got a little drop on my finger and kind of just rinsed it out in the sink with my bare hands. Then I read the warning advice and it talks about how bad that stuff is for your skin.

Can you recommend a tap water conditioner for when I do water changes? Why do you prefer liquid tests over test strips?

I waited 24 hours before feeding mine.

I have a new tank. I guess the combo of the new fish, food, and waste without the tank's natural biology being up to speed is causing it. My LFS said it would level out on its own within 6-8 weeks. They said my danios should be fine but they did say my neon tetras were fragile. I guess I will...

Today I went to my LFS and asked them about my high ammonia levels. They pretty much told me I had to ride the levels out. I asked them about the ammonia removers they sold, and they said they didn't work. They said all those products do is mask the ammonia levels in a tank. Any thoughts?

Anyone?

When I do water changes, do I just remove some of the tank water and add more water from my tap? Do I add water conditioner after I change the water? My biOrb only came with one small pack of water conditioner that I already used.

I just setup my new 8 gallon biOrb. So far I have 2 zebra danios, 2 neon tetras, and 1 shrimp (although I haven't seen him in a few days). I also added some real plant bulbs at the bottom of the tank but I am not sure what kind of plants they are. I have a water test strip kit and all the levels...