Another question re: substrate:

[Pandora114]

Was wondering, since my Tap PH is 7.2, if a half argonite half decorative gravel substrate be good enough to buffer up the PH till I get the tank to light brackish through weekly water changes

(For some reason the brackish puffs come in FW but I won't do the drip acclimitization with a hyperactive 3yr old running around, who can and will b0rk things up in her enthusiasm to see the new fishie...

[nmonks]

Putting buffering media into the substrate can help up to a point, but because the water isn't pulled through it (except when used in an undergravel filter) the buffering potential isn't that great. Algae and bacteria coat the grains, and eventually you get minimal effect.

Far better to put a smaller amount in the filter, but thoroughly clean (or replace) that every few weeks. You could also use some Malawi salts in the water along with the salt. A 1/4 to 1/2 dosage would do fine. In a light brackish tank you're after a pH around 7.5 and "moderate" hardness on whatever scale you're using.

As for drip methods with brackish water fish -- they're largely irrelevant. All brackish water fish can adapt very quickly to changes in salinity. From freshwater to low brackish (1.005 or less) is basically an 1/2 hour job, if that. Put in bucket, and add a couple of cups of aquarium water every 5-10 minutes. Once the SG in the bucket is within a "point" of the aquarium SG, then place the fish in the tank.

Some brackish water fish (e.g., scats) can adapt *instantly* between freshwater and marine water. I personally don't recommend that, but it does show you that fussing over salinity changes is not all that important.

Cheers, Neale

[Pufferpunk]

For some reason the brackish puffs come in FW but I won't do the drip acclimitization with a hyperactive 3yr old running around, who can and will b0rk things up in her enthusiasm to see the new fishie...

Do you have any rope? (Can you tell I don't have kids? )

[Pandora114]

Putting buffering media into the substrate can help up to a point, but because the water isn't pulled through it (except when used in an undergravel filter) the buffering potential isn't that great. Algae and bacteria coat the grains, and eventually you get minimal effect.

Far better to put a smaller amount in the filter, but thoroughly clean (or replace) that every few weeks. You could also use some Malawi salts in the water along with the salt. A 1/4 to 1/2 dosage would do fine. In a light brackish tank you're after a pH around 7.5 and "moderate" hardness on whatever scale you're using.

As for drip methods with brackish water fish -- they're largely irrelevant. All brackish water fish can adapt very quickly to changes in salinity. From freshwater to low brackish (1.005 or less) is basically an 1/2 hour job, if that. Put in bucket, and add a couple of cups of aquarium water every 5-10 minutes. Once the SG in the bucket is within a "point" of the aquarium SG, then place the fish in the tank.

Some brackish water fish (e.g., scats) can adapt *instantly* between freshwater and marine water. I personally don't recommend that, but it does show you that fussing over salinity changes is not all that important.

Cheers, Neale

wow, so it's the same technique my husband uses to acclimatize any new fish to the water conditions at home vs the LFS...

Gotcha!.

We have some clips to clip the bag to the side of the tank and we can do it that way. A bucket with a fish in it in a home with a 4yo (She turned 4 lol I'm bad) who just LOVES fishies.....is asking for Mr Puffy to have problems....*floor surfing out of fear...or being scooped up...you get the idea ..*

[kimmers318]

Pandora, I am not trying to sound mean here, but since your 4 yr old is so curious, I would wager she is also pretty intelligent. Instead of trying to work against her getting near the acclimating fish, and trying to hurry before she can get too inquisitive and cause an accident, work with her and use her intelligence and curiousity to your advantage. Talk with her thru the whole purchasing processing, picking out the best fish etc. Include her in the whole process and then keep her included. Explain why the new fishy has to be adjusted slowly and why it is VERY important that she does not touch the bag or tank at all until you are finished. My youngest is 5 1/2, I also babysit my 3 1/2 yr old niece and they have been experiencing new tanks and new fish around here for a year. I have had very few problems with the girls and the tanks. Even though it is a PITA for me, they help with tank changes by holding the hose over the bucket and informing me when it gets too full etc. If kids are made a part of the whole process, they are more likely to respect when they have to stay back! Both these girls pick snails regularly for the puffers out of various tanks and enjoy the tanks quite a bit. Our tanks are not something to beware of (making it so much more intriguing) but are something for the whole family to enjoy and help with. It takes me twice as long to do tank changes and feedings around here but the kids enjoy helping me.

[Pandora114]

cool thanks kimmers.

Sometimes I still think of her as a little "Darla" I just keep seeing her chasing our new Congo tetras from one side of the 32 to the other in total glee...poor fish..

She might be able to "get it" now...hopefully...