Ph problem for Pacu

[akskirmish]

Pacus need about 300 gallons of water EACH.

Is your test kit the kind with dip sticks or liquid reagents?

It isn't possible for your nitrates to be zero. Either your test kit is useless, you can't use it, or you are lying.

FYI-
Mine is outgrowing my 500 gallon.......I suggest a 600 gallon tank for bare minimum to even think about one Pacu......

 

[Zander_The_RBP]

oh thank the flying spaghetti monster........

lol but seriously know what your gettign into right now these fish will grow to the size of that tank (In length)in fact even more they can and will reach 36 inches if there not stunted from the small tank volume

you would need a pond to properly house them

 

[Mr&Mrs Nemesis]

Pacus need about 300 gallons of water EACH.

Is your test kit the kind with dip sticks or liquid reagents?

It isn't possible for your nitrates to be zero. Either your test kit is useless, you can't use it, or you are lying.

The Test Kit we are currently using is by API Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. Based on the color cards that come with the kit, it seems that the nitrate, nitrite and ammonia all read 0 PPms. The test itself shows yellow -- when looking at the color chart yellow is 0 ppm. We read the other test results the same way. Although we have been fishkeeping for 6 years, there is still a lot we have to learn, which is why we chose to join this forum. Is there a test kit that you would highly recommend? We are not liars we are simply seeking to learn more.

 

[Citrinellus]

oh thank the flying spaghetti monster........

lol but seriously know what your gettign into right now these fish will grow to the size of that tank (In length)in fact even more they can and will reach 36 inches if there not stunted from the small tank volume

you would need a pond to properly house them

Considering they have had the smaller one for over a year and its 8" its already stunted.

 

[SimonL]

You said you had the test kit for several years, it's probably expired.

 

[Citrinellus]

The Test Kit we are currently using is by API Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. Based on the color cards that come with the kit, it seems that the nitrate, nitrite and ammonia all read 0 PPms. The test itself shows yellow -- when looking at the color chart yellow is 0 ppm. We read the other test results the same way. Although we have been fishkeeping for 6 years, there is still a lot we have to learn, which is why we chose to join this forum. Is there a test kit that you would highly recommend? We are not liars we are simply seeking to learn more.

The test kit is the least of our worries. You desperately have to upgrade asap.

 

[akskirmish]

The Test Kit we are currently using is by API Aquarium Pharmaceuticals. Based on the color cards that come with the kit, it seems that the nitrate, nitrite and ammonia all read 0 PPms. The test itself shows yellow -- when looking at the color chart yellow is 0 ppm. We read the other test results the same way. Although we have been fishkeeping for 6 years, there is still a lot we have to learn, which is why we chose to join this forum. Is there a test kit that you would highly recommend? We are not liars we are simply seeking to learn more.

Take sample to LFS and get it done-It's only a few bucks and see if it checks out with current readings-
Check the experation date on test kit as well...Discard and buy new if outdated-
API is a fine test kit...

 

[kdrun76]

You said you had the test kit for several years, it's probably expired.

Test kits don't expire. But the chemicals do settle out. Take all your reagents and one (or two) at a time shake the HELL out of them. Set a timer, for at least 3 min. It will be the longest 3 min of your life. Each bottle gets shaken for the full 3 min. The nitrate #2 bottle is the worst offender, it gets slammed onto the counter repeatedly during the process.

 

[SimonL]

Test kits don't expire.

Expiration dates on the kits beg to differ...

Look, there is one obvious solution that will solve all the problems here...

 

[Mr&Mrs Nemesis]

FYI-
Mine is outgrowing my 500 gallon.......I suggest a 600 gallon tank for bare minimum to even think about one Pacu......

Thank you for your insight. We will work on getting a larger tank as soon as we can.