Completely Puzzled....?

[MJNTWise]

Nice......

 

[CrazyEyes]

That was with an Api kit just because that's all I have right now. I still think tomorrow I am going to do a 10-15g change and go have the water tested with a red sea kit.

 

[CrazyEyes]

Current parameters-
SG-1.025
Calcium- 430ppm
Alk- 9.5 Dkh
Mag- 1550
Nitrate- 40ppm
Phosphate- 0.10ppm
Ammonia- 0ppm
Nitrite- 0ppm
Temp- 78

 

[ralvarez]

Wow a 160 point drop in less than a week. Your on the right path

 

[CrazyEyes]

Actually I just tested again after a WC and they're at 30ppm.

 

[Rustafar]

Good job Mike !! , keep it up man.
Russ.

 

[CrazyEyes]

Thanks man, it's definitely been an adventure. But I think I'm on my way to success.

 

[CrazyEyes]

After almost two months and getting back on feeding to every 2 days, a big overrated skimmer, Nopox, regular WC's/maintenance, changing my socks everyday I can finally say my NO3 has dropped below 5ppm, actually just tested with the RedSea kit and they are reading at 4ppm. tested Po4 with an Api kit and it didn't even detect po4, I still need to check it with a Hanna though. Also picked up a refracometer and I cannot believe I didn't get one sooner. Definitely worth every penny of $60. It's been an adventure. Thanks again to Anthony for making this thread and also to everyone who has reached out and spoke their advice. Even Ted and Jay who I was a little rude with I do apologize to the both you for acting like a jerk towards the both of you.

 

[imchris]

Ted like I said we have to agree to disagree on this one. Here is a little something on the topic as well.

"The general misconception is that bacterium is all powerful and never dies. It is only natural for us to assume that since whenever we are sick from bacterial infection, bacteria don't seem to go away until we use antibiotics on them. This is however far from the truth - bacterium is in fact a very fragile life form. According to scientists, most bacteria do not survive for more than 15 minutes outside laboratory conditions. And each time water circulation in your aquarium system stops for 30 minutes, as much as one third of the bacteria population can be wiped out. Bacteria can also die from diseases, poisoning and the lack of suitable food. So while the bacteria in your aquarium system are multiplying, they may also be dying at the same time. So if a large proportion of the bacteria population gets wiped off for whatever reasons, toxic ammonia and nitrate will build up very rapidly resulting in massive life-stock deaths. It is therefore wise to dose bacteria on a regular basis. This is to ensure there is always a sizeable bacteria culture in your aquarium system to get rid of toxic ammonia and nitrite. Besides, bacteria also helps to keep your aquarium water clear by feeding on un-consumed food and livestock waste. You can never over-dose bacteria."

Reefkeeping Online Magazine
August 2009
Volume 8, Issue 4

I know that these weren't your words and you were quoting someone else. I'm pretty sure the quote feature will make it look like I'm quoting you though.

I don't understand how someone could make this statement and then in the same paragraph suggest dosing bacteria that's been sitting in a bottle for who knows how long. It doesn't make sense to me anyway. If they are in fact that fragile, wouldn't they all be dead in the bottle? Fish can easily survive 30 minutes of no circulation, I wouldn't go bottling them up for sale though. The difference is that you can see what you're getting with the fish but you just have to take someone's word for it with the bacteria. I understand you can test to see if there's improvement, but how do you know your tank isn't improving on it's own? Maybe what's in the bottle is merely a food source for your own bacteria to feed upon and multiply which would, in time, give you improved test results. Maybe what's in the bottle is of no significance whatsoever and your tank is just cycling on it's own given some time. It does say that it takes a while to work right? Anyway, these are just some thoughts. I'm glad the tank is doing better!