Hi, everyone!
I'm currently working on getting my ammonia level down from 0.5, and would like a bit of help when it comes to partial changes. For a little background information on me and my tank, you can read about it here (including the latest levels).
It was suggested in my introduction post to do a 50% water change as well as getting some media. I am planning on getting some mature filter media from my uncle tomorrow (hopefully!). But tonight, I have started on the process of doing a water change. I'll get to the media down at the last paragraph.
The tank is 5.5 gallons and contains a cute little (1 1/2 inches) Comet goldfish (yes, a BIG tank upgrade is coming ASAP!), and I will be changing 2 gallons worth. I added around 2 ml of water conditioner, and it is now sitting in the 5 gallon bucket specifically kept for water changes.
I put the conditioner in over 20 minutes ago, agitated the water gently, and have let it sit. Usually with my past fish, we let it sit for 24 hours, but I've heard that some only wait a few minutes to a few hours? It's been a few years since I owned fish (and my mother was the one who changed the water), and I'm learning so much more than I ever knew, which is why I want to double check that I am doing everything correct and even better than before.
I searched the forums to see if there were any topics about the duration of letting fresh conditioned water sit for a partial change, but I couldn't seem to find it. I am still new, so I could have missed a post about it as I learn my way around the forums - for which I apologise in advance - though I did read a few on general water changes when I searched for it.
Also, how precise does the water conditioner amount have to be; is a little over or under going to be a big effect? I was as accurate as possible about filling up the bucket and adding conditioner. I used a measuring cup that equaled to 1 quart right at the rim, added 8 quarts, and then the conditioner. I don't think it needs to be exact, but you guys are the experts.
Now for the filter media. To be honest, I've been doing a lot of research learning what it is and how to transplant it from one to another. From everything I've read on this forum, it's basically everything in the filter cartridge. In my tank, I have the cartridge and a thin black sponge for the filtration; does the black sponge also count? My uncle has a tank that's a few years old with some long lasting fish. Lately, his has a bit of algae on the glass but it's usually clear. I just want to make sure taking some of his filter will not cause any issues with the algae (though I do have a Marimo "moss ball" in my tank). Also, what would be the best part of the media to take from his filter media; opening up his cartridge, cutting some of the sponge (as I assume he has something similar)? I know you can take as much as 1/3rd, but my tank is much smaller than his. I don't want to damage either aquarium/fish, and I sure don't want to guess, so advice is much needed
Thanks so much for the help, everyone.
I'm currently working on getting my ammonia level down from 0.5, and would like a bit of help when it comes to partial changes. For a little background information on me and my tank, you can read about it here (including the latest levels).
It was suggested in my introduction post to do a 50% water change as well as getting some media. I am planning on getting some mature filter media from my uncle tomorrow (hopefully!). But tonight, I have started on the process of doing a water change. I'll get to the media down at the last paragraph.
The tank is 5.5 gallons and contains a cute little (1 1/2 inches) Comet goldfish (yes, a BIG tank upgrade is coming ASAP!), and I will be changing 2 gallons worth. I added around 2 ml of water conditioner, and it is now sitting in the 5 gallon bucket specifically kept for water changes.
I put the conditioner in over 20 minutes ago, agitated the water gently, and have let it sit. Usually with my past fish, we let it sit for 24 hours, but I've heard that some only wait a few minutes to a few hours? It's been a few years since I owned fish (and my mother was the one who changed the water), and I'm learning so much more than I ever knew, which is why I want to double check that I am doing everything correct and even better than before.
I searched the forums to see if there were any topics about the duration of letting fresh conditioned water sit for a partial change, but I couldn't seem to find it. I am still new, so I could have missed a post about it as I learn my way around the forums - for which I apologise in advance - though I did read a few on general water changes when I searched for it.
Also, how precise does the water conditioner amount have to be; is a little over or under going to be a big effect? I was as accurate as possible about filling up the bucket and adding conditioner. I used a measuring cup that equaled to 1 quart right at the rim, added 8 quarts, and then the conditioner. I don't think it needs to be exact, but you guys are the experts.
Now for the filter media. To be honest, I've been doing a lot of research learning what it is and how to transplant it from one to another. From everything I've read on this forum, it's basically everything in the filter cartridge. In my tank, I have the cartridge and a thin black sponge for the filtration; does the black sponge also count? My uncle has a tank that's a few years old with some long lasting fish. Lately, his has a bit of algae on the glass but it's usually clear. I just want to make sure taking some of his filter will not cause any issues with the algae (though I do have a Marimo "moss ball" in my tank). Also, what would be the best part of the media to take from his filter media; opening up his cartridge, cutting some of the sponge (as I assume he has something similar)? I know you can take as much as 1/3rd, but my tank is much smaller than his. I don't want to damage either aquarium/fish, and I sure don't want to guess, so advice is much needed
Thanks so much for the help, everyone.
