Loaches Online Forum

Yes, it is the osmotic issue. Total Disloved Solids is really the item to be concerned with. While some problems are directly related to the pH (ammonia vs ammonium, for example) most of the problems blamed on pH are often due to changing the TDS too fast for the fish. As you, yourself point out, th...

What are you using salt for?

Was the tank on a completely level surface, not even grainy wood?
I use styrofoam sheets under my tanks. (I get them in the insullation department of a hardware store)

I use the bolus form, sold as sheep wormer. Levasole, product of Janssen Research, copyright Schering-Plough Animal Health Corp. Each tablet contains .184 grams of Levamisole hydrochloride activity. I put the dose in a coffee filter closed with a rubber band, and put this in the filter. I have sever...

When I painted, I stuck the air pumps outside a window, then sealed the window. Fresh air into the tank! Ventilate the room, too. I didn't want to breath paint fumes, either. I also covered the tank with a garbage bag. Be careful the plastic or fabric if you use a towel or blanket does not touch any...

Tests for the tap water are high pH and high nitrates? Can you test the KH or have some water tested at a store for KH (also called alkalinity, carbonate hardness or buffer) The best way to handle both issues is with reverse osmosis filtration. You could get distilled water at a grocery store, it is...