What puffer is this?
- Thread starter Sean W.
- Start date
I struggle with Nitrates in both the 75 gallon and the 20 Long.
Im really not sure what causes it, the rest of the parameters are all perfect, just the nitrates are always sky high
Starting with 10-20 out of the tap is a bummer, but for it to go that high... That seems crazy for a planted tank.
In your photo of the 75 it looks lightly stocked. Is that the case in both?
Does the CO2 affect it maybe?
What's your filtration?
Also, I've read from several people that there can be falsely high readings if you don't shake the hell out of the #2 bottle. The instructions say I think for 1 min but I do 2 min now based on a recommendation from an experienced member. You might be doing that already, but I thought I'd throw that out there too.
In your photo of the 75 it looks lightly stocked. Is that the case in both?
Does the CO2 affect it maybe?
What's your filtration?
Also, I've read from several people that there can be falsely high readings if you don't shake the hell out of the #2 bottle. The instructions say I think for 1 min but I do 2 min now based on a recommendation from an experienced member. You might be doing that already, but I thought I'd throw that out there too.
Well, yesterday in the morning a I did a 70% water change in the 20 Long where I will be keeping the puffer while the 75 gets going, then when i got home from work at night I did another 50% or so water change and vacuumed the tank. I also cleaned the Eheim 2217 canister filter, and replaced the purigen with a new pack.
I was having a hard time beliveing the nitrate chemical tests, so I went and got one of those test strip things and tests the water with that. according to this, it looks like the nitrate is between 20 and 40. So I think we are good to go. I will be picking up the Puffer from Wes on Monday. He told me he currently has 9 of them. I cant say his price, but its a fraction of what other people are asking. Im tempted to get two!
I was having a hard time beliveing the nitrate chemical tests, so I went and got one of those test strip things and tests the water with that. according to this, it looks like the nitrate is between 20 and 40. So I think we are good to go. I will be picking up the Puffer from Wes on Monday. He told me he currently has 9 of them. I cant say his price, but its a fraction of what other people are asking. Im tempted to get two!
Strips are not accurate compared to liquid tests!
Wish i could get some
I know they are not as accurate, but I think there is someting wrong with my chemical tests. Its really old, at least 4? years. something like that.
What snails do you guys feed your Congo puffers? I've read that ramshorn snails shells are too hard and can actually damage their teeth.
