My New Project - Wild Tefe

[DJW]

Making the filter consume 4ppm of ammonia every day will drive the KH to 0 and the pH down toward 6 or lower. When it gets that low the bacteria slow way down in their consumption of ammonia, which is why you are reading more ammonia. Keep an eye on the KH and when it gets down below 2 change some water to replenish it. The filter bacteria eat ammonia and KH at the same time.

[Kirbs]

Thanks Pat and Dan! I didn't know that. I was thinking it must all be linked together but wasn't sure. Glad I asked.

[Kirbs]

I do believe that my tank is cycled and ready to have some Wilds. I've added a small amount of ammonia every day and get a reading of 0 in the morning. The nitrate is high as expected. I changed 25 gallons Monday morning and will do a 100% WC Tuesday morning. That should bring nitrate in line! Discus should arrive Wednesday.

Since I won't be feeding ammonia, do I need to worry about the bacteria dieing off before I get the fish in on Wednesday, or even Thursday? How long before I lose the bacteria?

[DJW]

I don't like to let the ammonia stay at 0 for more than 24 hours. If the filter is consuming more than 2ppm per day, I would dose it to 2ppm 24 hours before the fish are due and you should be in good shape.

[jmf3460]

Kirby any update on your new wild tefes? got any pictures?

[Kirbs]

I'm still fishless! My tank finally cycled but due to some unfortunate circumstances I was not currently able to get these Greens. John and I are in constant communications regarding other selections. He is a great guy to work with and has been very patient with me. He is trying to get what I really want and I should know some more this weekend!

[Kirbs]

I just wanted to update everybody about the Greens I was hoping to get. John had been trying for several weeks to get some Tefe or Japura Greens for me. They are apparently hard to acquire this season and he was unable to do so. He has been helping me select 6 other fish and they will be arriving on Tuesday! I'm really excited to be getting a great group of Wilds! I'll start up a thread in a few days!

[jmf3460]

new fish today Kirby.....get excited!!!

[Second Hand Pat]

Looking forward to see what you end up with Kirby
Pat

[DatDiscusDude]

Kirby,

Sorry to hear that you weren't able to land the fish you had originally desired. Having purchased fish from John in the past, I can bet my best dollar that what he sends you will be great and you will be happy.

Things have a funny way of working out for a reason! Enjoy, can't wait to see what shows up!

Has he sent any preview or teaser pics? Do you know what types you will be getting?

[Kirbs]

Fish arrived this morning at 8:45 a.m.

I got 2 Cuipeua, 2 Alenquer Semi-Royal and 2 Oriximina Red Semi-Royal! All are doing well except one of the Oriximina. I could tell when I took out the bags he was struggling. When I got him out and into the tank he was dark and immediately went behind a sponge filter in the corner and hasn't moved. I talked to John and he said to add some salt which I had done already. I have to leave for work at 1 p.m. and I'll check him then to see how he is doing

Other than that they are doing fine so far!

[Second Hand Pat]

Leave the lights off Kirby
Pat

[Kirbs]

No lights, shades are closed and lucky that I'm by myself so no human traffic. My wife is in OHIO with my daughter helping her with the Triplet Grandchildren (5 months old) and I'm not watching my other 2 Granddaughters till tomorrow!

[jmf3460]

Kirby you mentioned in the tank, did you not drip acclimate like I suggested?

[DatDiscusDude]

I was under the impression that drip acclimation was not the best route for fish that were shipped as it could cause more harm then good...

Isn't the drop and plop method what most recommend?