Page 3 of 8

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 11:43 pm
by sevenyearnight
I'm impressed that the other cat attempted to defend him, but they are both acting like nothing happened, it was just a misunderstanding. It's hard for them to understand that I'm trying to help when administering medication, they probably just think I'm a butthead.
Anyway, he's 12 and she is the youngest at 2 years of age, and 15 lbs of muscle, she was looking out for the elder cat.

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 11:59 pm
by DrKennethNoisewater
thats cute for a cat to do. definitely not at the time, but to think that the cat stood there and thought "hey thats my friend, leave him alone!" is a nice gesture reminding you how smart they really are.

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 12:53 am
by Pufferpunk
BAD DOGGIE!

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 5:20 pm
by sevenyearnight
Sorry I missed yesterday, here are today's readings:
pH 7.4
KH 6°
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrite 0.0
Nitrate 5.0

Changes:
I added a little more baking soda as I did a very small water partial to get up some uneaten food, and the KH had dropped 1°. My tap water is still reading ammonia of 0.5. I added some manzanita wood, and a few Sagittaria subulata.

Not that it's relevant to the readings, but here is a photo of the tank so far. The equipment is just temporary, I'll be getting a canister filter and a different heater, just ignore them. Also, it is known that I am a caca photographer:
Image

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 7:54 pm
by Pufferpunk
Nice!

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 11:27 pm
by sevenyearnight
Thank you! :D

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 11:17 am
by RTR
I like mosses on slender twigs, but I am not very good at keeping them trimmed. Manzanita is great for such use.

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 4:29 pm
by sevenyearnight
Day 9
pH 7.4
KH 5°
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrite 0.0
Nitrate 5.0

Changes: I added more snails and started adding low amount of CO2. (DIY)

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 8:51 pm
by sevenyearnight
Day 11

pH 7.4
KH 6°
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrite 0.0
Nitrate <5.0

Changes: Just daily water top offs (Tap water, filtered, Prime and a baking soda added at appropriate amounts) and started dosing Comprehensive and Leaf Zone, will need to start supplementing KNO3 since the nitrate is getting fairly low. One of the plants is showing new growth.

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 12:10 am
by xrayjeeper83
wow stuff sounds possible legit to me

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:57 pm
by sevenyearnight
Day 13

pH 7.4
KH 6°
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrite 0.0
Nitrate <5.0

Changes: Increased the CO2 a little. I'll be rehoming Barbra Streisand, even though she is a dwarf pleco, I feel 25 gallons is too small for her long term.

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:08 am
by J-P
I wonder why the KH and pH haven't changed at all.

Usually adding CO2 makes the pH drop a bit. Are you doing the tests at the same time every day?

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:24 pm
by sevenyearnight
My top off water has sodium bicarbonate added, water top offs are daily. I'm keeping the water level high so the HOB's don't break the surface water.
I'm intentionally keeping the KH at 5°

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:14 pm
by sevenyearnight
Day 15

ph 7.4
KH 6°
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrite 0.0
Nitrate 10.0

Changes: Partial water change yesterday, started dosing KNO3 since the nitrate was getting low. The crypts both have new leaves. I have removed Barbra since this tank is below recommended size. I have added more snails.

Re: Tetra Safestart Test

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:12 pm
by sevenyearnight
Day 18

pH 7.4
KH 6°
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrite 0.0
Nitrate <10.0

No changes.