Water measurements

[Skyfish]

Hi guys,

I said I'd start a new topic so here's your moneys worth... Oh dear moderators let me know if this is the wrong place to post this?

Returning after 10 years and starting again, I have forgotten most everything about maintaing aquariums but I am fast learning.

My tank is about 3 weeks old, freshwater. I had drift wood but it gave out coloration so I removed it, changed 50% of the water on Friday and things are getting better. The water is slightly cloudy. But the tea color is gone. I had added a lot of new plants and 2 pieces of lava rocks. SO plant load is good. I have about 18 fishes and the 5 largest in them are my 3 anglefishes, 1.5 inches each and 3 swordtails. Rest are small. Feeding twice a day, switching filter off when feeding.

Light 18W ( I know not enough, making a hood with 3 18watts)

I did the measurements and this is what it looks like on the 3rd day..

24 Gallons - 105L

GH - 6 dH
KH - 6 dH
PH - 7.5 (but on the darker side)
CO2 - 6mg
NO2 - 0.8mg

Looks bad I know, but...

1/ Is this coz of the drastic water change?
2/ Coz the tank is still new?
3/ Will it settle after cycling?
4/ Should I treat it or leave it be?

The fishes are very happy and eating well.

I have 2 internal filters running, but I want to change to an external, some old model Ehiems are availabe but expensive. All new models of Atman is available, I was thinking of the 3336 or 3337. Should I go for this?

Making a DIY CO2 right now and should be ready in a couple of days.

OK to many questions, I would appreciate any help.

Arshad

[Shark]

Hi Arshad



My Tank is not so clear, it's a small one so one of my fish a siamese fighting fish a Blue one is always staying on top ok.



Thanks

Shark

[Skyfish]

BTW Shark is my 12 year old son...

Shark, you could have justy phoned me in the office son!! I'll come home and fix your problem.

Arshad

[Plantbrain]

Adding CO2 will help the tank's issues a great deal.
Should clear things up and some water changes will help also.

Main thing when starting a new tank: add some mulm/ground peat to the gravel layer to start the tank off like it's been going for 12 months.

You cannot undo this so we will move on to the next thing: plant growth.
Amplying plant growth is now your focus.

Adding CO2 is the single most significant thing to you can do for that after lighting. Then Dr Malick's KNO3, KH2PO4, traces should round out most of the other things.

KH- to increase: add baking soda.
GH- SeaChem Equilibrium or a mix of CaCl2: MgSO4 at a 4:1 ratio.

KH to about 2-3 and GH to 3 or higher.

Learn all you can about DIY and CO2 for now.
Also, go to a club meeting.
This will help you much more than anything off the web.
Bring Shark.
You will both have fun.

Lots of cuttings and plant swaps.
People often are very willing to get rid of their plants or trade.

Regards,
Tom Barr