My ammonia is at 0.0!!!

Blackraven and I agree on much. I would add that our comments are based on the assumption of using RO/DI water as your source and ATO water. Tap water usually contains phosphates to some level as well as other 'bad' stuff. Thus, RO/DI is an absolute must in my opinion.

Food is the primary method that we nominally introduce phosphates. Overfeeding is a common cause.

There are numerous methods to combat nitrates. The most common defense for phosphates are some form of Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO). I am trying a relatively new product called EcoBak from Warner Marine that is advertised to combat both Nitrates and Phosphates.... we shall see.

M

M

 

I'm actually using well water. Thoughts on that?

I was originally feeding 2x per day but have learned to feed them 2 or 3x per week. Hopefully the Turbo Snail I have is cleaning up some of the mess. I will get a CUC when my levels are better.

 

Well water is usually more polluted than regular tap water.

I feed 2x a week meaty foods, but every day with nori since I have a herbivore with ich.

 

Glad I brought it up.... well water is likely an issue for you. I would test the water... I'll bet the TDS is far from zero. SpectraPure RO/DI will save you a lot of future problems.

M

 

Is there a specific test kit I would need to buy, or would I take my water somewhere to be tested?

 

Your LFS should be able to test it for you. i would definitely get a reverse osmosis filter system. i know it seems like a lot of money on top of everything else you are having to buy right now but well worth it in the long run, imo.

 

So is a RO/DI system something that filters the tank water, or is this primarily used to only filter the tap water before I add it to the tank?

 

just to mix things up a little bit, im gonna disagree with a few people on this thread.

I dont think a water change during a cycle is a good idea.

 

no, just to filter the tap water. i have mine sitting next to the faucet. it has an attachment that enables me to connect it to the faucet whenever i want to filter the water for my tank.

 

i agree. i would just let the cycle run its course.