Update: Swordtail Is He Poorly?

[Rummynose]

How many tests can you get out of the API master test kit?

I have had the complete kit for almost a year and am still working on most of the original bottles. The single ammonia test kit states it is good for 50 tests. It comes with a dropper and a test tube!
The most important ones are ammonia and nitrAte. For some people they never see a spike in nitrIte during their cycling process, since that part can be quite short lived. So if you are very pinched just buy the ammonia and nitrAte for now....these you will always use, even after the cycling process. Whenever you see your fish act strange you will want to check for ammonia just to make sure your tank is still cycled. Forgetting to add dechlorinator to your water during the water change can kill your bacteria colony off, using any sprays near the tank, having cleaning product residue on your hands....

 

[Rummynose]

oh, and of course the Nitrate levels will tell you when a water change is due. I learned that my nitrates will reach about 15 within 7-8 days, once you have figured out when your tank reaches the level you want to change the water then you can check for nitrates once a month!

 

[CMan]

Thanks! So basically if the tank has lots of nitrate or ammonia then I need to do a water change thanks mate

 

[Rummynose]

Thanks! So basically if the tank has lots of nitrate or ammonia then I need to do a water change thanks mate

you want to have 0 ammonia in your tank, so if you are cycling a tank water changes to get close to 0, never let it go above .25 when doing a fish-in cycle.
you want the nitrate not to exceed 15-20 although many let it go to 100 and have no problems with their fish. If you are going to have live plants in your tank you can keep your nitrates higher, since the plants will use it as food. Some people have already 80 nitrates coming from their tap, so you want to check your tap water to get a base reading. Also check your tap water for ammonia for the same reason. Just fill a glass and let it stand over night before testing.

 

[CMan]

Ok thanks so when I have hight nitrate all I need to do is a water change? How much? Or do I need a regular change like once every 2 days?

 

[Rummynose]

Ok thanks so when I have hight nitrate all I need to do is a water change? How much? Or do I need a regular change like once every 2 days?

While your tank is still cycling you should do daily water changes, once your tank is cycled once a week is enough, unless you're overstocked where you will have to change the water sooner, or if you're understocked you can go longer between water changes.

I do between 50-75% once every 7 -8 days. But I also have driftwood that colours the water (tannins), which I want to clear up! Some people only do 25% but if you'll do 50% you are doing super! The fish are a lot livelier in such good conditions! Some fish species need pristine water conditions, Rummynose Tetras and Otocinclus are very sensitive to them. I have both and they are doing great!

 

[CMan]

Just do e a 50% water change all fish are swimming around fine and the swordtail looks lively so hope it's done him good thanks for all your help guys!! Glad I found this website!

 

[CMan]

Hey Guys Thanks For All Your Help..
After Doing A Water Change For This Fish Because The Swordtail Was Poorly The Sword Tail has Picked Up.. Dosent Seem To Be Sluggish.. And Swimming About Fine.. Still A bit Loss Of Colour but That Will Come Back After Time Right?..

Waiting For Mt API Master Test kit Coming Through As I Ordered it Online.. Was Cheaper!..
Now I Have A Bit More Understanding About Fish Keeping ..
New Learning Curve
Thanks Guys!!!!!