TAL's Zero Water Exchange Test Thread

[TAL]

Hi folks. The testings continue.

Temperature is a steady 76F

We see that the pH has risen to 7.6 from 7.5 (no big deal)

Nitrites and Nitrates remain at dead zero.

But, we see a slight bump again in Ammonia. Ammonia had a slight bump before but went back to zero and now readings are at 0.2.

Fish are happy and alive.

Side note: The swoardtail fry are getting bigger and may be in the big tank by Christmas.

[TAL]

Things continue to be status quo.

My Cories have been making some appearances in the new tank. Mostly they had been hiding in a rear hideout.

I have yet to have to or need to do a water change.

[Chris_A]

Originally Posted by TAL

But, we see a slight bump again in Ammonia. Ammonia had a slight bump before but went back to zero and now readings are at 0.2.

Just a quick question... has that been after the addition of any of their supplements? Specificly the Bio Magic? If you haven't noticed I'd appreciate it if you could test the NH3/NH4 for a few days to a week after adding it.

Chris

[brian1973]

TAL..
I reread this post entirely... a planted tank from what i have been told can keep nitrates at 0, what where yous nitrate readings on a weekly basis before the system was set up? And where there plants in the tank at that time?

[HiQ-USA]

Tal, how are you doing with additives? Let me know, I can send you some more.

[TAL]

Originally Posted by brian1973

TAL..
I reread this post entirely... a planted tank from what i have been told can keep nitrates at 0, what where yous nitrate readings on a weekly basis before the system was set up? And where there plants in the tank at that time?

Hey Bri,

Those plants are all fake. Nitrate control is all Hi-Q.

So far so good. I have to check but I think I am scheduled for another test tonight or tomorrow.

Luke, I am good for now except for pump filters...

[brian1973]

Ok I do appreciate that..i thought some where fake but couldnt tell on all of them. But do you know what the numbers where before on a weekly basis.

also not to insult you but many of the members here have thought to have 0 Nitrates only to find it was their error in testing that produced the 0 readings. Please ensure you are following the instruction in the booklet to the letter and not going off the quick reference on the nitrate card.

Here a link to a very recent thread where a member was making this mistake..there is also a link in one of my replies.. So again it is a very common mistake so I am NOT trying to insult you.

The return of the Newb Questions

[TAL]

Brian, thanks fo rthe link.

I am running two tanks. My three gallon tank is serving as home for my swordtail fry. My testing has and does detect Nitrates, therefore being that I use the same kit and method to test the big tank - I consider the results valid.

I just had to drain down the big tank to move the aquarium in order to paint the room. If I didn;t need to do the painting, there was still no need to change the water. The system continues to work.

I am tracking the numbers more than weekly in a log but have only posted various readings when I have had extra time.

[brian1973]

thanks for the info, my main reason for asking is during my own research on the system the HI-Q website says that nitrates would be present, they rise then level off at a safe level. Looks like froggies is working now so I will hold off any more skepticism until further down the road

[TAL]

brian..... point noted on the presence of nitrates to some degree.

I noticed some brown (algae?) growth in the tank.

Maybe this is where the nitrates I would have are going...