Help Me Please

[boyzerk]

Hello everyone,

First off thank you guys very, very much I could use all the info possible.

I know it's not real accurate but I do have the test strips and did a test.

Nitrate is between 40 & 80 leaning a little more twords 80.

Nitrite 0

Hardness looks to be about 150 "Hard"

Chlorine 0

Alkalinity between 120 & 180 "Ideal"

pH looks to be below 6.8

Like I said I know it's not the best testing but it's the best I can do tonight.
Thought I'd take a water sample to petco tomorrow and get the exact results.

Yes I am using API Aquarium Salt.
I didn't know to use table salt for ich. I asume it would have to be non iodized salt.

While searching on the net last night I read something about pH balancers being harmful to fish and to not use them at all.
What do you guys think.

Also, when I first set this tank up I had a 10 gal
with some of these fish in it. When I set the 29 gal up I simply transferd the water and the fish from the 10 gal then started adding new fish. I know now that probably was not the right way.

Also another piece of info that I had forgotten is, that the gravel I used is gravel that came from the shore of a lake. I did boil it over and over and over untill it rinsed clean and clear but I'm wondering if this gravel is toxic?
If so, how will I go about changing it without stressing the fish out even more?

Thanks
Kyle
p.s. sorry for any miss spelling.

[boyzerk]

Hello again,

I asume that since no one has responded to my last post that everyone has had a tough time getting on this site like I have.

[Judge]

Yes sorry, some techy problems. Is that reading for your Nitrate correct. Boy, that is really high. I would not add any more chemical anything and I would start doing at least a 50% water change. Those Nitrates are high enough to cause some real issues IMO.
I forgot to mention that the high Nitrates (NO3) left unresolved is probably also contributing to your low PH.

[boyzerk]

Ok did a 50% water change.
What do you think about what I said about the gravel I have in the tank? Do you think I should Change the gravel? If so how should I do it without harming the fish any further?

[Judge]

I don't think the gravel is an issue. You stated that you boiled and cleaned it really good so I can't imagine that would be a problem so I would just leave it for now.

[Loman]

I am in agreement with Judge regarding initial impression on the gravel. Looking at the thread it is unclear how long this tank has been set up? Also unclear if the gravel was in the old tank or was a new add when you transitioned to the 29. Lastly I would be very interested in the ammonia reading too. Assuming the ammonia is zero I think the gravel is almost certainly fine

[boyzerk]

Thanks you guys, I hope you all have had a nice Thanksgiving.

I've had the tank set up for about 5 months. The gravel was something that I added when I set up the tank. I had different gravel in the 10 gal. that I had the fish in before.
The ammonia has been next to none most of the time. I will do another test tomorrow.

I want to mention that the angelfish that had fleshy looking stuff on it's fin pit has pretty much cleared up.

The other angelfish that has the cyst looking thing on its eye lid is still the same but both fish seem ok...still. They eat and swim around and act fine.

What do you guys make of this?

Oh and one more thing. How often should I do a water change to make sure the nitrate level stays good without stressing the fish?

Thanks again
Kyle

[Judge]

Hey Kyle, there are many different ideas on amount and how often. I think a good rule of thumb to start with (unless testing dictates differently) is either a 10-15% weekly or 20-25% every other week.

[IhaveaGuppy]

That is why you can't put table salt the salt I am talking about is Evaporated sea-salt that is processed so it won't kill freshwater fish. Why don't you try putting table salt in one tank and freshwater salt in another if you think i'm lying oh make sure there are equal ammounts and put fish in it! I am sure the table salt fish would die in a week!

P.S.

Tablesalt- COMES FROM UNDERGROUND!

Marine Salt, Freshwater salt, etc.- COME FROM EVAPORATED SEA WATER!

Get the point now?

[Loman]

Excuse me! IMO opinion this is terrible advice.

That is why you can't put table salt the salt I am talking about is Evaporated sea-salt that is processed so it won't kill freshwater fish. Why don't you try putting table salt in one tank and freshwater salt in another if you think i'm lying oh make sure there are equal ammounts and put fish in it! I am sure the table salt fish would die in a week!

I am not sure what prompted this reply but I do not and can not support any advice that results in killing the fish. I do not believe anyone that was a serious aquarist would find this an acceptable test

Lastly there is no reason to be so personal and confrontational -

Get the point now?