vanbeaker

UPDATE: So after leaving the lights off for a week, and not feeding for 3 days, and (2) 30% wc's I came to work this morning and to my delight crystal clear water..... clearest it has been since first filling. NOW.... What is my next step? green water gone in theory.... what's next to avoid repeat scenario?

1./ Feeding 1x per day and no more than what they will in in about 30 sec. Feels like it is not enough, but any longer and it just hits bottom in waste. 2./ Currently, the lights are off, I turned them off yesterday. 3./ Might have to do water change tommorrow as time allows. 4./ 20% a week is doable... < this isn't too much?... slow down cycling further?> 5./ ya way to oexpensive for my blood.... BUT if it must be done, might spend the $$.

**Definately did not rinse under tap water, used water from water change.** **Now when you speak of stability, is that a product name?... I'm not a big fan of adding all sorts of "extra" stuff, but if it will help...**

Bioload is as follows 5 peacocks - (2) 3.5" at most, (2) 2" and, (1) at about 1.75". Filtration is a Fluval 403 - bio balls (ceramic tubes really) and some carbon. Oh I am certain it is not cycled, but I'm not adding anymore until it is good. The last fish were added on Nov. 7th.

As the title states, I have green water. Some background... (work tank, 45gal, peacock tank, ph 8.2, temp, 79 F) Tank has been running since 2nd week of September, regular water testing done weekly. Values seem to be behaving as they should through proper cycling. Did first water change (10%) at about week 2.5, and have been doing (10%) changes about every week to week and a half. The first water change was from cloudy water, ammonium was high, dropped off since then. I did a 10-15% water change last week, and came into work on Monday and the ater was a tinge of green. I also cleaned the filter out at the same time as my last water change (in the removed tank water). I have had small patches of brown and greenish algae on the glass, but no outbreak by any stretch (removed with magnet). Did I do too much at once, ie water change and filter cleaning at the same time, and upset the balance? I noticed an previous post on an algae site that talks about diatom filtration, garbage bag wrapping, and such. I am more concerned with my handling of the cycle process, I don't think I am out of the woods by any stretch... please advise. :boxed: Any thought questions or concers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

How true it is!!!! :welcome:

You shouldn't, all of your pics are amazing... You might have yourself a little side business, fish photography!! :thumbs:

I definately think I will give that a try... $17 fix.. perfect for the budget!!! In gaining more surface agitation, I was thinking of adding a powerhead, and putting it near the surface In doing that what size should I get? (3-4x the total volume sound right ie: 180gph movement)

50 gal African Cichlid tank, ph 8.2, temp 79 deg F. Setup is about 3-4 weeks old, cycling nicely. However, I have a murky-like, skim of something on the surface of the water. The return from the fluval is about 2" below surface, therfore little agitation is there. Is this an issue, or major concern? What can I do to remove this skim of ???, and/or prevent this from happening.

Cycling with fish.... as far as juvies or adults.... not sure...depends what's at the store when I get there.

My ultimate plans are for an all male peacock tank (45gal), that being said, i'm at the fish addition stage and I am wondering what quantity I should start with? This particular tank is a work tank, so the initial fish do not neccessarily need to be peacocks, as I have an open 45gal and or 90gal at home as well. Any suggestions or should I just get the peacocks and ride the storm?

At work I'm thinking an all male peacock tank (55 gal). And at home, I was thinking, a big school of tetras (kids like them)...but this is TBA (45 gal). And I have a 20 gal, and a 15 gal which currently have no plans for yet.

I was wondering if anyone has tried or heard of machined pieces being used in tank as decoration? ie: What materials should/should not be used? I realize if it rusts... bad idea. But SST should not in a Freshwater tank, if i'm not correct? ie: 3-D printer resins? I know this is an odd question, but I have access to machined pieces, and thought they would look cool... even maybe advertise a little at the same time.

I just went there. Unless I got a sales rep. that was completely incompetent, they have no lace rock there. They had never heard of it. However, like you said lots of feather rock, as well as mexican bowl rock ?, and tuffa rock. I'm thinking of doing a Peacock tank. Any ideas on what i could use as a fill in for the afformentioned lace rock? I was thinking natural looking limestone, some tuffa, and maybe the mexican bowl rock and/or feather stone. ... any suggestions?

I have been absent from the world of fish for two years since I moved. The fish itch has bit me again, and I'm loving it. :thumbs: I'm slowly dipping my toes back in, but plan to be swiming with the fishes in no time. It's nice to find a "local" forum... easier to relate that way!