Sunday, November 7, 2010

Hoped to add fish today. Packed a water sample. Was at PepCo and asked the guy to test it for me. He said ammonia and pH were fine but nitrites were in the stress zone. I bought two fake/silk plants in the hope that some more places to hide might cut down on the nippig, also so that new fish will have more areas to explore, also as a consolation prize for still just futzing with the 6 serpaes.
Later was at usual fish shop. Usual fish guy was not there however. I mentioned to the guy who was there that the terms have been nipping. As he preped my water for testing I asked if it might be a result of he food cut back. He said it is just normal behavior and suggested adding fish to make an odd number. He said they seem to fight less in odd numbers. Water tested fine on ammonia but not so hot on the nitrates and nitrites. No fish today. He said to "stick" with the every other day feeding schedule. I asked if there is anything I can do to help the process along. He suggested a partial water change.
At home I changed 5 gallons of water and added another 2 liters to make up for past evaporation. Fish turned a little pale when I made the water change. I think the issue is that the water temp is colder than in the tank. I preped the water by filling the 5 gal orange bucket, adding declorine drops, then letting it sit for the evening. After I added the water I turned up the heater. Also read that heat can help grow the needed bacteria in the tank.

Fed: 6ish maybe
Temp: 78
pH: n/a
NH3: test read yellow

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