You know, that is a great question I didn't even think of going over! ? I tried these clear balls I found at Petsmart called Aqueon Pure for the first time -- It helps reduce ammonia and nitrites, clears water, and provides a surface for the bacteria to live on before adding any fish to the Aquarium. I also liked that fact that it notes you cannot "overdose" on them so I started off with the recommended dose (1 ball per 10 gallon)
However, since I added 90 lbs of substrate the day before and the filter was still working its way through it all, I also added 5mL of API Accu-Clear to help clear the cloudiness and 60mL of API Quick Startwhich contains an all natural living, nitrifying bacteria. I wasn't too worried about having the tank take its time because I wasn't going to start adding any new tank-mates for a few weeks but within 48 hours I tested everything and it was all pretty much spot on. The only other element I needed to add was API pH Up+just to kick it a little higher.
At the moment I am acclimating my first African Cichlid who is just about ready to make his first dive ?
You know, that is a great question I didn't even think of going over! ? I tried these clear balls I found at Petsmart called Aqueon Pure for the first time -- It helps reduce ammonia and nitrites, clears water, and provides a surface for the bacteria to live on before adding any fish to the Aquarium. I also liked that fact that it notes you cannot "overdose" on them so I started off with the recommended dose (1 ball per 10 gallon)
However, since I added 90 lbs of substrate the day before and the filter was still working its way through it all, I also added 5mL of API Accu-Clear to help clear the cloudiness and 60mL of API Quick Startwhich contains an all natural living, nitrifying bacteria. I wasn't too worried about having the tank take its time because I wasn't going to start adding any new tank-mates for a few weeks but within 48 hours I tested everything and it was all pretty much spot on. The only other element I needed to add was API pH Up+just to kick it a little higher.
At the moment I am acclimating my first African Cichlid who is just about ready to make his first dive ?
I wouldn't play with pH much, the chemicals instantly change pH and don't hold it steady, use crushed corals or crushed oyster shells to buffer the water, they dissolve slowly over time and keep pH up and stable.
I wouldn't play with pH much, the chemicals instantly change pH and don't hold it steady, use crushed corals or crushed oyster shells to buffer the water, they dissolve slowly over time and keep pH up and stable.