DirtyCop Posted August 7, 2017 Report Share Posted August 7, 2017 Maybe I'm not looking in the right spot but can anyone share a link to the basics of PH and GH? I have read some threads in regards to specific questions but don't understand what they mean and why they are good or bad. I have a new Cherry Shrimp only tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMG Aquatics Posted August 7, 2017 Report Share Posted August 7, 2017 http://www.chelonia.org/articles/waterchemistry.htm https://www.discobee.com/blogs/news/17030569-dwarf-shrimp-water-parameters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyCop Posted August 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2017 On 8/7/2017 at 8:09 AM, OMG Aquatics said: http://www.chelonia.org/articles/waterchemistry.htm https://www.discobee.com/blogs/news/17030569-dwarf-shrimp-water-parameters Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyCop Posted August 15, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 So, I've ordered test kits and they are coming in. TDS meter came first and it was 315. I did 20% water change with distilled water, and its now 235. PH = 7.6 Ammnia=0 Nitrite=2-5 ppm Nitrate 5-10 ppm still don't know gh/kh yet. any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 You need to test them its impossible to say what they are with you giving us your other w/p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chappy6107 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 looks like the tank is not fully cycled yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMG Aquatics Posted August 15, 2017 Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 Did you add ammonia into the tank for cycling? Are you using any nitrifying bacteria supplements? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyCop Posted August 16, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 Ok, thanks for the replies! Yesterday I changed the filter cartridge before I tested so maybe that is why I got the readings for nitrite and nitrate? The tank is only 5 gallons and ran for 1.5 months (1 month with goldfish that I ended up donating after I learned tank was too small). My readings are now: Nitrate-0 Nitrite-0 Ammonia-0 PH 7.6 at least TDS-242 KH-6 GH-6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zodiac Posted August 16, 2017 Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 ph and kh are fine. TDS,a little high,but okay. gh is too low. cherries don't do good in 6 or lower. your tap might be lower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyCop Posted August 16, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 2 hours ago, zodiac said: ph and kh are fine. TDS,a little high,but okay. gh is too low. cherries don't do good in 6 or lower. your tap might be lower. Great, thanks! What is a cheaper alternative to get GH higher and PH lower? I don't mind spending some money for additives given I've come this far but not ready to buy a RO system at the moment. I plan on doing one more partial water change in the next day or two and then try to leave the tank alone for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zodiac Posted August 16, 2017 Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 i've heard people with over 8 ph have no problems. stable is key. someone else can recommend what minerals to use,but you want one with no kh...as you have enough. or buy distilled or ro water at the store. i make ro water and add salty shrimp mineral gh/kh+. also,when doing water changes,do it slowly. i made a drip container with a valve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chappy6107 Posted August 16, 2017 Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 6 hours ago, zodiac said: i made a drip container with a valve. I'd love to see this. Have a pic of it? I use a hob fry container with a drip line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zodiac Posted August 16, 2017 Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 costs,maybe 3 bucks to build. cut a slit,put in airline tubing and supper glued it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chappy6107 Posted August 16, 2017 Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 43 minutes ago, zodiac said: costs,maybe 3 bucks to build. cut a slit,put in airline tubing and supper glued it. Nice I like it. Easy, cheap, and usable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyCop Posted August 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2017 8 hours ago, zodiac said: costs,maybe 3 bucks to build. cut a slit,put in airline tubing and supper glued it. I didn't have those parts but took your idea and just cut a small hole in the bottom of the 1 gallon distilled water jug and it took about two hours to empty out. TDS is 190ish, going to wait a few days and do one more 1 gallon water change with distilled to retest and go from there. I picked up a lot of junk with the water change and not going to feed for about a week. I think I have planaria, but it was reduced with the water change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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