Continuous Ammonia Readings..

[The Taffy Apple]

Hello,
I noticed you said in post 4 "i add a weekly buffer of Bicarb of Soda as i seem to suffer from P.H 'crash' issues", could this be related to the white substance you are seeing in the filters media. I have read other threads which recommend not using sodium bicarbonate in a stocked aquarium but i don't know why.

Keith.

Thanks all, been away from the PC over the weekend, but still managed 3 daily tests and now down to 2 lots of 30/40% water changes.Water 'cloudiness has now completely gone.The idea that the flakey substance could be the Bicarb/Soda (so obvious when mentioned) is very helpful, thanks harlequins !

The main reason i add a buffer (mixed into bucket from tap, along with Ammolock purely as a tap safe product) is that i found it very difficult to grow ben.bac's during my cycle process,my PH from the tap would crash to 6.2 overnight once every 10 days, once i added a weekly amount of Bic/Soda i startd to see the results i wanted (i read on here at some point adding a weekly buffer can't harm the fish. But it seems they can harm your filter though!)

Anyway, substance has gone and i have had no increase in the level of Ammonia (0.5ppm since 1 hour after my last W/C but just before one this morning), i shall keep water changing until the reults tell me otherwise... but maybe i will try cutting out the buffer entirely (?).

As always, replies and theories appreciated.
Terry.

 

[Skins]

Hello,
I noticed you said in post 4 "i add a weekly buffer of Bicarb of Soda as i seem to suffer from P.H 'crash' issues", could this be related to the white substance you are seeing in the filters media. I have read other threads which recommend not using sodium bicarbonate in a stocked aquarium but i don't know why.

Keith.

Thanks all, been away from the PC over the weekend, but still managed 3 daily tests and now down to 2 lots of 30/40% water changes.Water 'cloudiness has now completely gone.The idea that the flakey substance could be the Bicarb/Soda (so obvious when mentioned) is very helpful, thanks harlequins !

The main reason i add a buffer (mixed into bucket from tap, along with Ammolock purely as a tap safe product) is that i found it very difficult to grow ben.bac's during my cycle process,my PH from the tap would crash to 6.2 overnight once every 10 days, once i added a weekly amount of Bic/Soda i startd to see the results i wanted (i read on here at some point adding a weekly buffer can't harm the fish. But it seems they can harm your filter though!)

Anyway, substance has gone and i have had no increase in the level of Ammonia (0.5ppm since 1 hour after my last W/C but just before one this morning), i shall keep water changing until the reults tell me otherwise... but maybe i will try cutting out the buffer entirely (?).

As always, replies and theories appreciated.
Terry.

Hello Terry,
You could always try crushed coral to raise your pH.

Keith.

 

[Harlequins]

You beat me too it skins

Crushed coral may be a better option than bicarb,or now that you've done your cycle,perhaps you could try it without adding bicarb and keep a check on the ph to see how fast it falls??

Something rings a bell about long term use of bicarb in a tank,its something to do with the kh will stop buffering from 'over use' of bicarb... wheres the kh experts

If api recommends using stress coat has well has ammolock,then they aren't certain whether its making it safe,hence may be messing with the stats.

I would go back to using Prime,has this will also help with the stats at the mo...

 

[KittyKat]

..although there are reports of crushed coral irritating fishs' gills on occasion.

 

[Skins]

..although there are reports of crushed coral irritating fishs' gills on occasion.

Thats interesting to know KK, what do you think the reasons are?, possibly to do with mineral content.

Keith.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

..although there are reports of crushed coral irritating fishs' gills on occasion.

Thats interesting to know KK, what do you think the reasons are?, possibly to do with mineral content.

Keith.

Thanks, no change in circumstances, going to do another W/C within the hour.

From now on i shall not add any Bicarb during the weekly water changes and i shall closely monitor the PH over the next 7 days and see what i get (but i'm predicting a sudden 'crash' overnight and a build-up of ammonia by the next afternoon, but maybe it's worth a go) so thank-you, Harleequins.

My LFS is currently out of Seachem Prime, i got an eye on some over the net but it's a decison of which one is available to me the soonest.

Again, thanks all.
Terry.

 

[Harlequins]

I get my prime from the same seller on ebay several times now,and i think he's fab on prompt delivery,i normally receive it within a few days

 

[The Taffy Apple]

I get my prime from the same seller on ebay several times now,and i think he's fab on prompt delivery,i normally receive it within a few days

Indeed, just bought 2 bottle for nearly the price of one at my LFS (but that's what it is i supoose, local).

Ammonia from 0 to 0.25 overnight, another w/c this morning has it back to 0. Lucky i'm off work for my 18 days holiday, eh

Regards,
Terry.


EDIT; i have taken the chance of the offer of a Eheim Aquaball brand new filter.It shall stay in the cupboard until i decide what to do.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Quick update...

Water parameters back to normal, all fish are fine, yet there was still ALOT of this substance still within my filter sponge.

I've been thinking of upgrading my filter for a few weeks now (i find the one i had rather 'cheap' looking, and as it came as part of my 'starter pack' i presumed it wouldn't have been of a good quality) so i have got the Eheim Aquaball suitable for 30-60L tanks (mine being 30L).

I have cut away the substance (Bicarb Of Soda depositis?) filled parts of my old sponge, and inserted the rest of it into the bottom filter sponge of my new Aquaball.

Regular checks will now prove whether this problem could be over for good.
regards,
Terry.

 

[KittyKat]

Sounds good