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Water levels during "the cycle" period.
My tank has been running for a week now. I just tested the water for the
first time for Hardness (Kh/Gh) and was quite surprised. Here are the
results of my tests, and input as to what they should be and how to get them
there for a community tank (37G) would be appreciated.
PH=7.6
Nitrites= 0ppm
Ammonia= 0ppm
KH= 12dKH (214.8 ppm)
GH= 14dGH (250 ppm)
Obviously my water is...ehem...abit hard. What is an easy and inexpensive
way to soften it to a lvl for a community tank? Again it is still
'cycling', so I'm sure the levels will change. Should I just go and get a
softener 'pillow'? and if so where is this pillow placed in the tank?
Also, is my PH to high? what is considered ideal for a community tank?
I had eight Lamp Eye Tetras to help cycle the tank, they are hardy...well
they were...as I only have two left, and two Albino Cory cats to help out on
the bottom, so far the cats are doing well. the only thing I have noticed
is the tetras seems to twitch a little..not sure if this is normal behavior
or if it is because they are stressed. I'm heading down to a shop tomorrow
that keeps their fish WELL taken care of to observe this species in an
established tank. Otherwise any tips would be great.
Will the four fish I currently have left suffice to finish cycling or should
I soften the water abit and get a few more Lamp Eye Tetras..after all they
are a shoaling species, the two that remain might be stressed due to
numbers?
P.S. I don't yet have a heater for the tank...but I have been checking the
temp 4 times a day for the last week, being in Florida probably helps, but
it has been between 77- 79 the entire time, even after this slight cold
spell we have had...temp outside dropped to about 65 for a couple of days.
Should my priority be getting a heater?
Basking in da Florida sun,
Andres