Dana

I defrost in aquarium water and drain well, but no, I haven't rinsed them.

JBL Flakes, Wardley Shrimp pellets, Hikari wafers and frozen blood worms.

I have a 3 year old, but she can't reach. She does know the rules about "Mummy's fish tank" and even asks if she can watch when they're eating, to the point of coming to get me from another room. Tearing down as in getting rid of and buying new? What about my fish? &c:ry

Is it just me or pics not there?

Ammonia .25 Nitrates 10ppm PH 8.4!! Phosphate now at 5!! Lots of water changes of course. Could the dang snail infestation that came with the plants (lazy loaches) be pushing the bioload too high? Cartridges were replaced at tank overhaul, new sponge in tonight (hood filter). Brown slime negative, reduced light blitzed green algae but the BBA is appearing on rocks. 0 Phosphate reading on the rock and gravel in buckets.

I've had issues with the host site so not appearing on other forums.

Question... As activated carbon can increase phosphate levels, could my use of Excel have raised the levels as it's a carbon product??? I used it to fight BBA several times, but the slime increased from that point on, and never recovered. Curious as BBA loves phosphate and low nitrates, bi-product being brown algae, and makes it difficult for plants to survive.... Being carbon, could my use of excel tipped the tank over the edge when already it was already dealing with P04 and low N03? :nilly:

Yes, same house. The issue earlier in the year with the sick fish was ammonia, but I hadn't even considered Phosphate at that point. The manganese issue appears to have been resolved but flushing the mains several times, and keeping it up. It hasn't appeared for quite a while. BBA has struck twice, all plants die, which leads me to believe I've always had this issue. I add a little hot water to bring the temp up close to tank temp, then add to tank. Never been keen on adding straight cold water, especially with the heater off. I'll start boiling fresh cold water, then adding to the buckets. Have to be quick as repeatedly boiling water increases sodium levels.

For elimination purposes, I've set up 2 buckets of water with a 0 Phosphate reading. One with a rock, one with substrate. In mild sunlight to raise temp (only cold water has 0 reading). I'll test in a couple of days, and see what happens.

I used to use PH Down, but not for months. Wasn't doing any good anyway. I'll just keep up with water changes for a while perhaps. There were all those rotting plants in there before, and I returned some of original water that I'd removed (not water that housed fish in bin). I just tested the hot water. Phosphate of nearly 2. Hot water cylinder issue? Pipes perhaps? I'm just relieved that I have a tangible reason for all of it.

Crap. Tap water is 0. So I must be over feeding? They don't get much as it is. Seems a high reading in the tank purely from excess food.

BINGO - This may explain my problems... Tested before and after 30% water change, results were the same P04 = Darker than 2.5 but not as dark as 5. Test says should be under one, reading suggests it should be at or less than 0.25 So many articles on this and treatment. What say you fish people??

Make a special trip to town. Pick up test. Get home to find the flimmin thing expired in August :an!gry :an!gry

I might just put a few buckets out on rainy days.... Less drama, Minimal maintenance and it wont ask for 50% of the tank when I'm finished with it

Can I borrow your hubby? I don't have one and sure as mustard I ain't getting up the roof :slfg:

Who is doing this? What method's have you found the be the best, fastest and most hygienic? Oh, and cheapest is always a goodie :slfg:

No, no direct sunlight at all. It did with the change of season, but I now keep that curtain closed until late afternoon. I paid more attention to light after Sophia's input. I think the light has had a significant bearing on it, but I'm still not sure it's the original cause. Anyway, I'll pick up a P04 kit tomorrow and we shall see....

To be honest, I really think if it's phosphate, then it's the water rather than the rocks. The LFS has taken them from the same area, with no probs. These issues started nearly 3 months after set up, and although I'm not sure it's relevant, I noticed a more slimy build up in the bath tub requiring cleaning more often. My daughters bath toys are also starting to have a discoloured coating on them, meaning I have to scrub them every couple of days, rather than every week. The fish seem fine with regular water changes (up to twice per week), just impacting the tank and plants.

Would something like Phos Zorb help? That's if it turns out to be phosphates of course. Will test first.

Wetpets share water, helped me set up to start with. Not sure about a well, I've only ever seen them take it from tanks. Not so bad if you live in town and have time to drive back and forward with heavy water containers....I considered it but it's just not viable.

Phosphates has been mentioned a few times. My reading suggests it could have something to do with the battle I've had with BBA coming back again and again. The plants die too. I'm in Ashhurst, Palmerston North. Our town is on bore water. I don't have a Phosphate test kit bit clearly it's something I need to eliminate so I'll pick one up. Fishkeeping....a hobby for the wealthy :slfg:

Day 2 Ammonia .25 Nitrate 5ppm PH 8 Lights off, dark room.....green algae back.... Yes yes I know, off to get buckets and hose lol

Thanks, but it's actually the same look as it was 5 months ago. Just minus several inches of algae and slime with a mind of it's own.. I'll cry if it comes back

Gorgeous. Look forward to next install...

Gawd I'm tired....Wine anyone?? !drool: