Nitrites should be zero. Nitrates should not be zero, or near it. Normal nitrate on a cycled tank is between 5 and 20. This could be the problem. You need to buy test kits. These fish are simply too large, and carry too high of a bioload, not to have test kits. In a small volume, levels could fluctuate very quickly. Until these fish reach a pond, you need to be testing at least once a week, if not more. You never state tank size, so I have no idea how long they have. However, if they are 4 inches, you have no longer than one year in which to build a pond, and this is if they're currently housed in a very, very large tank. As for filtration and heating this pond, please take a look at the indoor pond thread. You need to be doing research NOW. These fish won't stop growing, and you don't have much time. Be diligent in your research and planning, and care for these fish the right way. You'll find that it is rewarding, but takes a lot of work. Again, you can look at my gallery for ideas on how to build a pond and the general size of these fish, when half-grown (my RTC is over two feet, and has gotten there in about a year). You have to do right by these guys, and that requires knowing more than you know at this point. It'll happen fast. Please be ready. If you're not, it's not fair to the fish.
Food smells HORRIBLE
- Thread starter kayvaughan
- Start date
yea gotcha. ill look into the pond situation more. and right now i have the 3 inch rtc and two 4 inch pacus in a 120.. the tank should last at least 3 months. to my understanding...
and i dont do test kits because i get the water tested at my lfs weekly for free. and they say its plenty healthy. and fully cycled.
and i dont do test kits because i get the water tested at my lfs weekly for free. and they say its plenty healthy. and fully cycled.
In my opinion, these are my fish. I want to know levels. I don't want "near perfect," because that's not perfect. I want my fish to have the best life possible. Therefore, I spend the forty bucks on test kits. It's nothing compared to what I've spent to keep these fish. And it's totally worth it.
kayvaughan;3521496; said:
spend the $26 and get the api freshwater master test kit... unless you live in the fish store.. with time and gas you are spending that everytime (or every few times depending on how much you make) you go to the lfs to get it tested... and at 3am when yer fish are spazzing out.. waiting till 8-11am for the lfs to open does you no good
check the date on the package. I always look at the date of the food (just like you do with the food you eat) and sometimes find its experation date is within the year. It should be a year or two away then you know its pretty fresh. You gotta remember not everyone keeps big big fish. So some of that food has been sitting on the shelf for quite a while. Or you just have a really strong sniffer. Fish food should smell fishy. If it doesn't, then chances are its mostly filler like corn and wheat.
I haven't noticed a very strong odor from my carnivore pellets but sometimes opening a bottle of prime would ruin the whole house.
if your LFS is telling you that low nitrite is near perfect they're feeding you sh*t, doesn't matter if it's free, you're being fed sh*t just the same.
Low nitrite means your tank has a problem, either a spike in bioload or your cycle isn't finished. Either way, get some kits, learn to use them, and read some of the hundreds of free websites that teach basic aquarium water chemistry.
Low nitrite means your tank has a problem, either a spike in bioload or your cycle isn't finished. Either way, get some kits, learn to use them, and read some of the hundreds of free websites that teach basic aquarium water chemistry.
To put a perspective, I've worked in a hand-full of petshops. I do get my testing done regularly by them, and keep a test kit at home. Many shops use different kits. If you trust your LFS great! But also understand that kits can and do expire, and things can be contaminated. By keeping your own kits you can test anytime day or night. Holidays ect. I've had tests done at my local LFS and neither he 'nore I noticed the kit had expired. The test came back good. my fish still acted odd. so I re-tested. long story short. I did a major water change and avoid a potential lethal kill to my tank. Of course I called him the next day and told him. and rarely have I heard him cuss.. =D It's good being on honest terms w/ my LFS. But I also know it's not overly common. I prefer the liquid tests when my LFS uses dippy sticks. useing different kits and also knowing whats what.. and how to keep your fish healthy and not relying heavily on your LFS will do your fish a better service in the long run. Sounds like your off to a runnign start and educating yourself for that Bravo! .. and the DYI forum is a gold mine of information and ideas. I agree even though they may look tiny now better to be prepared to well then not well enough!
As for Massivore.. I haven't used it 'nore could comment.. but usually if your getting that rank of a smell it's bad food, or your possibly overfeeding. If your doing 1-2 heavy feedings a day try breaking it into more frequent less amounts. To make sure the food is getting comsumed and not left at all.
A walk-threw of your WC/vac, filter set-up ect. schedule may also offer some helpful comments or catch something missed that could factor into the smell.
I have my fishtanks in my bedroom so the "natural" odor I'm well use to but I have gotten comments from people about it. I'm use to it. But I can smell if something is not right.
It may seem like nit-picking and disecting. But the more info you can give in reguards to your tank the betetr advice can be given and things ruled out.
Or you might just have a sensitive nose =D
As for Massivore.. I haven't used it 'nore could comment.. but usually if your getting that rank of a smell it's bad food, or your possibly overfeeding. If your doing 1-2 heavy feedings a day try breaking it into more frequent less amounts. To make sure the food is getting comsumed and not left at all.
A walk-threw of your WC/vac, filter set-up ect. schedule may also offer some helpful comments or catch something missed that could factor into the smell.
I have my fishtanks in my bedroom so the "natural" odor I'm well use to but I have gotten comments from people about it. I'm use to it. But I can smell if something is not right.
It may seem like nit-picking and disecting. But the more info you can give in reguards to your tank the betetr advice can be given and things ruled out.
Or you might just have a sensitive nose =D
