I'm trying to cycle my first planted tank. Algae is getting a little out of control.
It's a Spec V. I want to use this primarily for shrimp and a few small fish. Ammonia and nitrites aren't really coming down. Did about a 20% water change today and it looks better. The water I removed had a yellow tint to it.
I got a TDS pen and the gh/kh kit in the mail Monday so I checked it today. TDS was 350, tap water is 150. Tested gh and kh today. kh took 5 drops and gh took 12. I don't really know what that means, the directions weren't that clear.
API test kit or a different brand? Also something is raising your TDS what substrate and décor do you have? nothing wrong with 350 but if something is buffering it may build up over time
Yes, all the testing chemicals I have are API.
I have osmocote, miracle grow potting soil, capped with fine black diamond. I also have lava rock in there.
Here it is just after I planted it. It's been a couple weeks since then. It looks like the Monte Carlo is growing in but it's hard to tell.
Is there anything you can do to keep hard water buildup off the waterline?
Flickr is being a pain and not giving the image address. I can inspect the element but it's still not doing what I want it to do. https://flic.kr/p/UbRvaW
Would it be beneficial to lower the GH? There's a store I get crickets from once a week that sells RO water for cheap.
I got a TDS pen and the gh/kh kit in the mail Monday so I checked it today. TDS was 350, tap water is 150. Tested gh and kh today. kh took 5 drops and gh took 12. I don't really know what that means, the directions weren't that clear.
Do a larger water change. Would be fine to do a 75% at once instead of many small ones to get same effect.
Your gh and kh are fine. Once you get nitrites and ammonia under control you are good.
Keep doing the daily smaller water changes till nitrite and ammonia are 0
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Planted Tank Forum
3.5M posts
130.6K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!