Recent content by Tacocat

Something bizarre is occurring. The group of 7 super blue Inpaichthys kerri tetras was one of the most recent additions at about 1 month old. I had purchased 6 but the LFS accidentally caught 7 and were kind enough to let me have it for free. Curiously, one of them appears to have sever...

I unfortunately do not have an RO system, so consistent usage of RO water is out of the question for now However, I do think that mucking with boiled water will have some effect, as removing the calcium and carbonates will certainly affect both GH and KH, which will allow my pH to go lower as...

Okay thanks! I'll see what I can do with this fish then. Perhaps I shall add otocinclus in replacement, as I have read that they are typically amicable tank mates with Apistos.

I have come up with a solution! In order to lower water hardness, you must lower the CO3(2-) concentration somehow. Now the easiest way (chemically) to do this is by adding a strong acid like HCl, which releases H+ ions and converts carbonate into H2CO3, which then turns into H2O and CO2...

I unfortunately don't have the GH and KH test kits on me as they are still with the other tank. I will make sure to retrieve them next time I get the chance. I also don't think that the hardness is being leeched into the tank, as the only rocks I added were presumably inert river rocks and...

What kinds of microfauna/crustacean detritivores could I introduce if I wanted to create an ecologically active benthic layer with fish already established? I'm talking things like scuds, detritus worms, ostracods that will provide the fish with live hunting while also sustaining a population...

Hey guys! I'm starting this journal about 3 months into the journey as I've been busy with school and living in my own place, but finally I have a tank completely administrated by me! All the previous tanks I've managed were in my parents house with shared responsibility with my brother, meaning...