kellenr
Member
Originally Posted by rastafish
http:///forum/post/2677008
KellenR... your the master! lol since then i have done 2 water changes and my trates are at 20 ppm and nitrite 0, KH is between 180 and 300 ppm i need to get another type of water tester, im using the quick dip test srtips and for the KH test it says that KH is ideal when its between 180 and 300 ppm but really isnt capable of showing the exact number. as for Ph its between 7.8 and 8.4 on the test strip my estimation leads me to guess that its more like 8.0-8.2.
water is nice n clear my perc looks happy! oh yeah by the way i traded in my damsels and got my self a little true percula A.K.A. "Fat Boy" and i also got a small green mandarin A.K.A. "rocky" couldn't pass up that deal!
i just want to thank all you guys for the great info you guys provided and we'll see what is next in the future of my tank.
Glad to hear things are working out for you. Like I said before, test frequently because it may be hard to stabilize levels in a small tank. When something changes it usually changes drastically because of such a small amount of water.
Smart move on getting a new test kit. You want one that uses liquid drops you apply to tank water in a test tube. Those 'dip strips' are inaccurate sometimes, plus they're very easy to contaminate and give false readings. A pretty good general one is the API Saltwater Master Test Kit, has tests for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate & pH. You can also get the API Reef Masters Test Kit which includes a test for Phosphates, Nitrates, Calcium & dKH.
Originally Posted by JerryAtrick
http:///forum/post/2677095
I think your green mandarin would be better off back at the LFS. If you haven't already done so, please research this fish. This fish should be kept in a larger or more established tank due to the fact that it eats pods which take time to grow in a tank. Try feeding it frozen or prepared food. If it is not eating then I would suggest taking it back.
I have to agree with Jerry. Even though Mandarins are small and very colorful they are not for a beginner, especially in a new tank. They require a mature tank (at least 1-2yrs+) as they are very particular eaters. They mainly feed on copepods which are not present in your tank and will only be plentiful enough in a mature tank of AT LEAST 20gallons with ideally a refugium to harvest and protect copepods. The mandarin will not eat in your tank and slowly die unfortunately. The only way you can get one is if you literally 'watch it eat' frozen food in the LFS. This is probably one of the most common beginner mistakes by getting this fish. Sorry to burst your bubble but you'd rather know now then lose it and scratch your head later. Good luck.
http:///forum/post/2677008
KellenR... your the master! lol since then i have done 2 water changes and my trates are at 20 ppm and nitrite 0, KH is between 180 and 300 ppm i need to get another type of water tester, im using the quick dip test srtips and for the KH test it says that KH is ideal when its between 180 and 300 ppm but really isnt capable of showing the exact number. as for Ph its between 7.8 and 8.4 on the test strip my estimation leads me to guess that its more like 8.0-8.2.
water is nice n clear my perc looks happy! oh yeah by the way i traded in my damsels and got my self a little true percula A.K.A. "Fat Boy" and i also got a small green mandarin A.K.A. "rocky" couldn't pass up that deal!
i just want to thank all you guys for the great info you guys provided and we'll see what is next in the future of my tank.
Glad to hear things are working out for you. Like I said before, test frequently because it may be hard to stabilize levels in a small tank. When something changes it usually changes drastically because of such a small amount of water.
Smart move on getting a new test kit. You want one that uses liquid drops you apply to tank water in a test tube. Those 'dip strips' are inaccurate sometimes, plus they're very easy to contaminate and give false readings. A pretty good general one is the API Saltwater Master Test Kit, has tests for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate & pH. You can also get the API Reef Masters Test Kit which includes a test for Phosphates, Nitrates, Calcium & dKH.
Originally Posted by JerryAtrick
http:///forum/post/2677095
I think your green mandarin would be better off back at the LFS. If you haven't already done so, please research this fish. This fish should be kept in a larger or more established tank due to the fact that it eats pods which take time to grow in a tank. Try feeding it frozen or prepared food. If it is not eating then I would suggest taking it back.
I have to agree with Jerry. Even though Mandarins are small and very colorful they are not for a beginner, especially in a new tank. They require a mature tank (at least 1-2yrs+) as they are very particular eaters. They mainly feed on copepods which are not present in your tank and will only be plentiful enough in a mature tank of AT LEAST 20gallons with ideally a refugium to harvest and protect copepods. The mandarin will not eat in your tank and slowly die unfortunately. The only way you can get one is if you literally 'watch it eat' frozen food in the LFS. This is probably one of the most common beginner mistakes by getting this fish. Sorry to burst your bubble but you'd rather know now then lose it and scratch your head later. Good luck.