Some of you have already responded to my Rapps Brokopondo issues I had, I'm starting a new thread because I need answers and perhaps alittle further education after 10 years raising cichla.
Alright, I am totally confused. I've been in this hobby for 10 years rasing cichla. I go to my LFS last week after losing the broko's. I'm told my PH is low 6.2-6.5 range. Nitrates 40 ppm, everything else checks out fine. Aquarium Center, alot of MFK in PA and NJ know of this place. So I raise it over 3 days to 7.2. I now have users on here telling me it's too high at 7.2, and I'm not bashing anybody, just confused. I used Amqul Plus to rid of the nitrates, nitrites and ammonia over another period of 4 days which was suggested by LFS. I use API 5 in 1 test strips for my water test, nitrates are still coming up as 40 ppm maybe even alittle higher right to the date.
I was also told that doing water changes more then 2x aweek, I'm removing my bacteria levels from the tank, a 125. I always thought the bacteria lived in the filter itself, that its okay to change carbon, etc. but never to scrub the insides of the filter out.
They said the bacteria is in the gravel ??? Being in this 10 years, I've had my share of problems, but I also lack knowledge when it comes to water chemistry, etc.
My belief, is these fish live in acidic waters, so a PH of 6.2-6.5 really isnt bad at all. But to be told it is too low, and by others here that 7.2 is too high, I am just totally confused. And if it's true that after water changes I need to add more live bacteria, which runs at $22 a bottle and only treats 75 gallons, then I'm going to be looking at $44 every week just to maintain a bacteria colony in my tank? Is this true? I also spoke with Jeff about the incident, and was told by him that 40 ppm isn't a life threat to these fish, then WTF.....I need someone who has a few minutes to educate me abit more. What should my PH be roughly, and just answer some questions I've asked.
This is not targeted at anybodies responses to me, I appreciated all of the comments, just want a honest explanations or answers, maybe then I can discover the problem. Thanks !!!
Alright, I am totally confused. I've been in this hobby for 10 years rasing cichla. I go to my LFS last week after losing the broko's. I'm told my PH is low 6.2-6.5 range. Nitrates 40 ppm, everything else checks out fine. Aquarium Center, alot of MFK in PA and NJ know of this place. So I raise it over 3 days to 7.2. I now have users on here telling me it's too high at 7.2, and I'm not bashing anybody, just confused. I used Amqul Plus to rid of the nitrates, nitrites and ammonia over another period of 4 days which was suggested by LFS. I use API 5 in 1 test strips for my water test, nitrates are still coming up as 40 ppm maybe even alittle higher right to the date.
I was also told that doing water changes more then 2x aweek, I'm removing my bacteria levels from the tank, a 125. I always thought the bacteria lived in the filter itself, that its okay to change carbon, etc. but never to scrub the insides of the filter out.
They said the bacteria is in the gravel ??? Being in this 10 years, I've had my share of problems, but I also lack knowledge when it comes to water chemistry, etc.
My belief, is these fish live in acidic waters, so a PH of 6.2-6.5 really isnt bad at all. But to be told it is too low, and by others here that 7.2 is too high, I am just totally confused. And if it's true that after water changes I need to add more live bacteria, which runs at $22 a bottle and only treats 75 gallons, then I'm going to be looking at $44 every week just to maintain a bacteria colony in my tank? Is this true? I also spoke with Jeff about the incident, and was told by him that 40 ppm isn't a life threat to these fish, then WTF.....I need someone who has a few minutes to educate me abit more. What should my PH be roughly, and just answer some questions I've asked.
This is not targeted at anybodies responses to me, I appreciated all of the comments, just want a honest explanations or answers, maybe then I can discover the problem. Thanks !!!
