dtl8686
10-04-2023, 01:41 AM
Hello, all
I've been reading a bunch since I found this site. A lot of great information here! I have questions about my water. I have a municipal well here in Frankfort, IL. when I test the water out of the well that has not gone through the softener It is a PH of 7.2, GH of 36 degrees ( with API master test kit ) and KH of 14 -15 degrees. So, quite hard water. TDS is in the high 400's. Coming out of my softener the TDS is high 500's with GH being cut to 4 degrees.
I don't intend on breeding at this time. But, everyone seems to say to not chase PH. In my 125 gallon I have 6 electric blue acara, 4 sterbai corys, 2 clown plecos, 4 black skirt tetras, 3 rams, and 3 keyhole cichlids. All water changes have been done with softened tap water and API water conditioner at water change time for chlorine and heavy metal detox. Java fern and anubius plants are all doing quite well. I add almond leaves to the water as well just to add tannins and help with water quality a bit. PH ends up at 8.8 in this tank due to the high KH and stays pretty consistent.
I'm setting up a 75 gallon for discus now. It's my first time trying them. I don't want to order 6 or 7 fish and kill them! with that TDS, am I better to mix RO and unsoftened tap water? or do I use softened water mixed with the RO? :huh:
If all goes well and I end up with success, I may try breeding down the line...but baby steps for now. I just want to be able to provide consistent water with the least buffering, chemical addition way possible.
I've wanted to keep discus for a long time. I've just been intimidated by all the differing and conflicting information on line. This forum has a lot of successful keepers and breeders here that I thought could get me off to the best start possible.
Also, i was going to start with some smaller fish ( 2.5" to 3.5"). Is the 75 gallon too big to start them in? I had people telling me to put them in a 20 gallon that they like to be tight together and eventually go to the 75 gallon. My intent is to eventually have a 125 gallon display tank set up with a trickle filter sump. I have already got the tank purchased and stand will be next.
All advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
I've been reading a bunch since I found this site. A lot of great information here! I have questions about my water. I have a municipal well here in Frankfort, IL. when I test the water out of the well that has not gone through the softener It is a PH of 7.2, GH of 36 degrees ( with API master test kit ) and KH of 14 -15 degrees. So, quite hard water. TDS is in the high 400's. Coming out of my softener the TDS is high 500's with GH being cut to 4 degrees.
I don't intend on breeding at this time. But, everyone seems to say to not chase PH. In my 125 gallon I have 6 electric blue acara, 4 sterbai corys, 2 clown plecos, 4 black skirt tetras, 3 rams, and 3 keyhole cichlids. All water changes have been done with softened tap water and API water conditioner at water change time for chlorine and heavy metal detox. Java fern and anubius plants are all doing quite well. I add almond leaves to the water as well just to add tannins and help with water quality a bit. PH ends up at 8.8 in this tank due to the high KH and stays pretty consistent.
I'm setting up a 75 gallon for discus now. It's my first time trying them. I don't want to order 6 or 7 fish and kill them! with that TDS, am I better to mix RO and unsoftened tap water? or do I use softened water mixed with the RO? :huh:
If all goes well and I end up with success, I may try breeding down the line...but baby steps for now. I just want to be able to provide consistent water with the least buffering, chemical addition way possible.
I've wanted to keep discus for a long time. I've just been intimidated by all the differing and conflicting information on line. This forum has a lot of successful keepers and breeders here that I thought could get me off to the best start possible.
Also, i was going to start with some smaller fish ( 2.5" to 3.5"). Is the 75 gallon too big to start them in? I had people telling me to put them in a 20 gallon that they like to be tight together and eventually go to the 75 gallon. My intent is to eventually have a 125 gallon display tank set up with a trickle filter sump. I have already got the tank purchased and stand will be next.
All advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave