Water Test Results Are In, Also Advice On Auto Feeders

[doresy]

Ok, some other facts first. I am not new to TF keeping, just new to trying to do things right! Been 'doing it' for 4 years and the current 155lt has been going for about 4 months now and was started with mature media. Community fish, ie Neon tetra, Harliquins, Platy, Siemese Flying Foxes, Corys, Dwarf Neon Guoramis and Guppies. I admit that I am a little overstocked (by about 4").
Ok, so I said that I am now trying to do things right.....I have done my first own water test
Using the Freashwater Master Kit from Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. Quite easy to use and read but.....
Not sure about the PH test and High Range PH test....Why 2 tests?

Tests done 2 days after last 30% water change.

Anyway, the results are....Ammonia.....0. ppm
Nitrite..........0. ppm
Nitrate.........40. ppm
PH...............7.6
PH High Range 7.8

So, that's it. I understand Cycle so I know the ammonia and nitrite level is right. (have a good filter set-up) The nitrate is not too bad either but will be getting a pack of nitra-zorb. Not too sure about the two PH levels so what do you think overall?

Finally, anybody have a recommendation for those battery automatic feeders as I am away for a week and don't have a twice a day person to call in. (or would once a day with the odd miss be ok for a week....?)

 

[oddball_lover]

Regarding the pH tests...

As far as I can recall, the pH test gives readings between 6.5 - 7.5 (or thereabouts) and is a 'general' pH test.

The High Range pH test does exactly what it says on the tin...and tests the 'high' end pH (i.e. it tests alkaline water, between 7.2 and 8? ish?) and doesn't give you readings for acidic water.

The normal pH test will just go dark blue for anything over it's highest range (i.e. 7.6 or whatever) and won't give you exact readings, such as 8.2 if your alkalinity is that high.

I would be inclined to agree with the high range test, as it's 'range' is more centered around the alkaline.

I hope that makes sense

 

[Squid]

Take the advice given above about the PH thing...

With regards to nitrate... weekly up 25% (or maybe a bit less) water changes are the best way to sort out the levels, rather than adding any chemicals/products.

With regards to going on holiday, the fish would be ok for up to about 2 weeks with no food. So, somebody dropping in one day and then not the next is not problem at all. Just make sure you trust that person to add the right amount, and not a load extra because they aren't being fed the next day.

Cheers
Squid

 

[Underwurlde]

Yo,

I'd say 40ppm Nitrate is fine... (boarder line, but OK).

Note: your 'ammonia' test kit actually tests for TWO things, NH3 & NH4: Ammonia (toxic) and Ammonium (harmless). The two are in balance, the higher the pH the higher the percentage of Ammonia (toxic). Watch out for that one!

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=154313

Consider harmful / deadly levels of Toxic Ammonia is about 0.02ppm.

Andy

 

[mark.w.jones]

Personally Id say 2 weeks without feeding is too long. Ive done a week on a number of occasions but the fish were desparate for food when I got back. Here is a link to reviews of autofeeders on practical fishkeepings website:

http/www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/...p?article_id=82

However you'll need to register to read it. The Eheim one came out very highly if memery serves.

 

[Underwurlde]

He said just one week. I think the fish will be fine for that length of time. I feed my fish only once a day, sometimes missing the odd day.

Just fill them up with blood worm 2 secs before leaving...

Andy

 

[doresy]

Regarding the pH tests...

As far as I can recall, the pH test gives readings between 6.5 - 7.5 (or thereabouts) and is a 'general' pH test.

The High Range pH test does exactly what it says on the tin...and tests the 'high' end pH (i.e. it tests alkaline water, between 7.2 and 8? ish?) and doesn't give you readings for acidic water.

The normal pH test will just go dark blue for anything over it's highest range (i.e. 7.6 or whatever) and won't give you exact readings, such as 8.2 if your alkalinity is that high.

I would be inclined to agree with the high range test, as it's 'range' is more centered around the alkaline.

I hope that makes sense

Yes makes sense and

Take the advice given above about the PH thing...

With regards to nitrate... weekly up 25% (or maybe a bit less) water changes are the best way to sort out the levels, rather than adding any chemicals/products.

With regards to going on holiday, the fish would be ok for up to about 2 weeks with no food. So, somebody dropping in one day and then not the next is not problem at all. Just make sure you trust that person to add the right amount, and not a load extra because they aren't being fed the next day.

Cheers
Squid

Yes, will keep up the water changes. I think I will go for the trusting the helper....2 weeks without food eh?

Yo,

I'd say 40ppm Nitrate is fine... (boarder line, but OK).

Note: your 'ammonia' test kit actually tests for TWO things, NH3 & NH4: Ammonia (toxic) and Ammonium (harmless). The two are in balance, the higher the pH the higher the percentage of Ammonia (toxic). Watch out for that one!

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=154313

Consider harmful / deadly levels of Toxic Ammonia is about 0.02ppm.

Andy

for your advice

He said just one week. I think the fish will be fine for that length of time. I feed my fish only once a day, sometimes missing the odd day.

Just fill them up with blood worm 2 secs before leaving...

Andy

this sound very good to me

 

[Squid]

Take the advice given above about the PH thing...

With regards to nitrate... weekly up 25% (or maybe a bit less) water changes are the best way to sort out the levels, rather than adding any chemicals/products.

With regards to going on holiday, the fish would be ok for up to about 2 weeks with no food. So, somebody dropping in one day and then not the next is not problem at all. Just make sure you trust that person to add the right amount, and not a load extra because they aren't being fed the next day.

Cheers
Squid

Yes, will keep up the water changes. I think I will go for the trusting the helper....2 weeks without food eh?

So I have been told.. I have left mine for a week without food when away, but when i was away for 2 weeks, i had somebody drop in 1-2 times per week just in case.

Squid

 

[Miss Wiggle]

up to 2 weeks is supposed to be fine, however i'd be worried.

please resist the urge to feed heavily before you go away. you should do a big clean and water change the night before, and over the week before gradually reduce feedings and reduce the photoperiod on your tank, this will make the fish less active, so they use less energy and need less food.

if you do a big feed before going then they're gonna poop loads more than usual and could muck up the water quality when your not there to sort it out.