I forgot to mention the low pH....definitely do a water change and see if that test result changes.
Maybe test some tap water or fresh mixed seawater (see below) to see if you get a sane result from that.
What's the tank temperature?
Do you run a skimmer as well as a pump for in-tank water cirulation?
What size is this tank again?
Unless you water is very very cold – like being stored in a garage in Minnesota in winter – heating your mix water isn't necessary.
And unless you're mixing you water up with chopsticks, it should take as little as five minutes to make water ready for use.
I made some quick videos a while back on "Mixing saltwater correctly in only 5 minutes using electricity or only using a mixing paddle." just to show it being done.
The ammonia was over the line significantly though. I still would test again sheet the water change.
I'm new to the salt hobby (only a couple of months in) but I have only mixed my water one way, and my salinity is stable at 1.025 in my tank. This took time, because I initally started too low and had to slowly increase it, but ever since then, it's been great. This is per a Refractometer that is calibrated with ro/di water. All I do is slowly add salt to my jug of water and vigorously shake it by hand. Then I label it as salt and set it aside until it's time to add it to the sump. No heat, no stirring, nothing. I was really surprised to see notes about how to mix. I had no idea there were so many different methods!
Cleaning the filter will get rid of the bacteria in the filter; no way around that. The filter's job, however, is to capture the gunk in your tank. By removing the gunk before it can break down, the need for the bacteria lessens (the bacteria's job being to break down the stuff that the gunk turns into when it breaks down). As you can tell, I'm highly scientific here - "gunk" and "stuff". Basically; the filter's purpose is to remove the problematic stuff before it can become a problem. Which means that cleaning the filters is factors times more efficient than the bacteria you are loosing would result in. Eg; the juice is worth the squeeze - clean 'dem filters.
Depends on how much is on there...
This was one of my first purchases - i use it in my QT and main just in case and have a few on backup. Very good to have!
There are inexpensive units for sale on ebay. they are not the best, but will get the job done for you until you can upgrade. Once you have a unit, the quality comes from the filters you buy to replace the ones that are in it. This is an area where you really cannot afford to skimp. The quality of the water that goes in your tank will dictate the success you have in the future, not just with keeping fish alive, but with keeping nuisance algae down and keeping the tank looking "attractive". If you continue to place tap water in the tank, you will eventually spend more money on trying to control the bad stuff that will grow in your tank. Then you will get frustrated and will not be enjoying the hobby. Then you will tear the tank down and move on to another hobby that is more enjoyable.
. Lol ya my friend told me the same this morning (Suggestion: Simone). They seem to be moving around a lot more and "gasping" for air much less. I got my temp down to 80 degrees and pH to a regular 8. I am facing some nitrate levels for sure though and possibly like 0.25 ammonia.I so hope Simon and Garfunkel make it through
Not trying to be a know it all, Might want to change the larger of the two to a female name, just FYI. More than likely if he/she is not female already, it will be eventually....
(Something not to worry about! Yay!)
Awesome news!
BTW, I always thought it should have been Simone and Garfunkle anyway, so this is just karma!
Nitrates are nothing to worry about for fish, so forget that.
Keep ammonia at zero – there is no acceptable level. You might need more (or just more frequent) Stress Coat and or more water changes.
You might need a bigger bottle of Stress Coat.
. Defiantly visiting there over the weekend.
Ok. I'll add some more stress coat when I get home and prep another water change. Btw I just heard that there is a place near me (20 mins) that has a fountain which has perfect water for aquariums (assuming RO/DI with 1.025). It is a big facility dedicated to oceanalogy known as Scripps. I'm thinking about buying a DTS and heading over with a big (unused) trash can to fill some up, check all the levels in it and gravity and see if this actually works!! If so I can have free RO/DI and don't have to buy a unit
