Search found 54 matches

by UVvis
Mon Dec 17, 2012 7:50 am
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: Ich and Snails
Replies: 5
Views: 7609

Re: Ich and Snails

Batch wrote:What is gac?
GAC is granular activated carbon.
by UVvis
Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:49 pm
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: Stress kills - and the fish don't like it either.
Replies: 15
Views: 21609

Re: Stress kills - and the fish don't like it either.

Is it worth investing in a UV sterilizer? Do they actually kill the ich (while in the free swimming stage, of course)? Is quinine sulfate the only known effective medication against this "super-ich"? How much above 87 degrees F can my fish survive, and for how long? Can I kill the ich at 91-92 F wi...
by UVvis
Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:32 pm
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: Ich and Snails
Replies: 5
Views: 7609

Re: Ich and Snails

Unless it is a major burden, I would keep the snails/shrimp in their tank for 4-5 weeks just to be on the safe side that they do not carry Ich back into the tank. It is less likely that they infected but could harbor a cyst that could reintroduce ich to your system. I would also suggest adding gac t...
by UVvis
Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:04 pm
Forum: Freshwater Forum
Topic: Planting an established tank question
Replies: 14
Views: 15932

Re: Planting an established tank question

I've had pretty good luck with crypts and anubias in low light plants, with maybe 4-5 hours of tank light per day.

You can also do neat stuff with some of the mosses.
by UVvis
Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:45 am
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: nitrite in my tap water!
Replies: 5
Views: 7233

Re: nitrite in my tap water!

Glenna, I would consider asking your water supplier if they have the number for the state or local EPA branch. If your reading is accurate, they are in violation of legally enforceable standards. Nitrites in drinking water are typically from sewage/septic leak or fertilizer run off unless you live d...
by UVvis
Tue Oct 02, 2012 10:42 am
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: nitrite in my tap water!
Replies: 5
Views: 7233

Re: nitrite in my tap water!

I'd contact the municipal water provider quickly. Tanks aside, that is over USEPA drinking water limits for nitrites. (I think it's 1PPM Nitrogen as Nitrite). The provider will have to take steps quickly to remidiate the issue. They can also verify your water quality tests. It is hard to get nitrite...
by UVvis
Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:20 am
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: Bacterial Bloom Temp Fix
Replies: 1
Views: 5915

Re: Bacterial Bloom Temp Fix

Pretty much all bacteria blooms in established systems are caused by excess nutrients in the system. Overfeeding, lack of water changes, dead things not removed... This will rapidly trash the chemistry profile of a tank. The pH will drop as the bacteria are respiring and consume oxygen, and release ...
by UVvis
Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:05 am
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: Want advice on buying second hand tank + filter.
Replies: 5
Views: 8849

Re: Want advice on buying second hand tank + filter.

If you are worried about any biological contamination (tank, filter, whatever)... Bleach Drain New water, then de-chlorination (sodium thiosulfate). Redoing a seal on a big tank isn't a bad idea. I have a 150gal I need to reseal. If the seal is in good shape, don't worry about it. The water helps pu...
by UVvis
Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:20 am
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Want to get powerhead for 29G
Replies: 4
Views: 5027

Re: Want to get powerhead for 29G

I've found that a single larger rheostat controlled air pump is usually worth it in the long run. The upfront cost is higher, but the quieter operation and longer service life make them more useful in the long run. I have a couple of the diaphram luft pumps that are pretty great all around air pumps...
by UVvis
Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:20 am
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: i need help please
Replies: 1
Views: 2660

Re: i need help please

Do you have any gravel or sand in the tank already? If so, that will help distribute point pressure from the piece. You can also use some RTV silicone to make feet for the piece of slate, so the slate would essentially be sitting on little rubber pads (well silicone, but you get the idea). You can d...
by UVvis
Fri Apr 20, 2012 8:20 am
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Filter Recommendation
Replies: 20
Views: 20706

Re: Filter Recommendation

I've read that some people drill a small hole toward the top of their intake (still below the water level) to avoid having a disaster with an external filter. To be honest, I've never tried it but you could research it and see if someone has. Normally called a siphon break. You want to make sure th...
by UVvis
Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:54 am
Forum: Loach Forum
Topic: Filter Recommendation
Replies: 20
Views: 20706

Re: Filter Recommendation

Potentially, but anything that holds water has potential leaks. Inspect the filter housings, connections on a regular basis and keep extra fittings/tubing on hand. Many leaks start small and are spotted early.
by UVvis
Wed Mar 07, 2012 3:03 pm
Forum: Freshwater Forum
Topic: GSE as a plant disinfectant?
Replies: 5
Views: 7432

Re: GSE as a plant disinfectant?

Not so much if you quarantine your plants. Most parasites are not going to do to well without a host. For environmental opportunistic parasites, fish always have that possibility. A tap water rinse with chlorinated water can be pretty aggressive against many things too. You can give plants a quick d...
by UVvis
Mon Mar 05, 2012 11:20 am
Forum: Freshwater Forum
Topic: GSE as a plant disinfectant?
Replies: 5
Views: 7432

Re: GSE as a plant disinfectant?

Just curious, what type of plants are you wanting to disinfect, and why?

Tap water is usually pretty good, unless you have a particular target organism.
by UVvis
Mon Mar 05, 2012 11:14 am
Forum: Fish Health & Treatment
Topic: Well water
Replies: 2
Views: 3987

Re: Well water

What region of Florida? What type of filter do you have? Also, try to avoid using the water softener water for fish. You strip the calcium and magnesium in favor of sodium. Probably not good to drink this either. Your house should be plumbed so that showers/toilets get the softened water. You might ...