Newbie - feeding and bioload question

Thanks all! I actually did research for a couple years before I finally bit the bullet - guess I missed the "be patient" part . . . er . . . um . . . perhaps just ignored it? Anyway, I do have test kits, just haven't done it yet myself. I"ll check out the websites.

 

Oh - one more thing - what's the difference between Iodine and Iodide?

 

According to Wiki, Iodine is an element and iodides are compounds with iodine present with a -1 charge.

 

You have a packed tank. Pump the breaks Karen, Slow and steady wins the race.

 

Generally, when LFS says "parameters are within limits" that means "it's within the limits where we will get return business when your fish die." Shame on them for selling that much livestock if they were the ones to sell you the tank and knew how young your system is. Worry more about the SG, pH, ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO3) and nitrates (NO2) in your tank. NH3 and NO3 are most deadly to the livestock, they are more tolerant to NO2, depending on the animal.
Remember, if you do see a huge spike in these params, don't panic and don't do a huge water change. It will shock the inhabitants more. Do gradual 5-10% changes every other day to lower the levels gradually if it gets really bad.

 

I tested my system (used my home test kit and validated with LFS):
SG = 1.023
pH = 8.3
Alkalinity = 14 (ouch)
NH3, NO2, NO3 and PO4 = 0

I honestly can't blame my LFS - the guy helping me told me patience is key, but I've been researching and saving $$ for a long time and went a bit nutty. I'm getting a bit of hair algae. They told me to stop adding calcium and keep up with water changes (20 gals every other week) and monitor the alkalinity.

Any other suggestions on the alkalinity/hair algae issue? The Troops are all doing OK so far.

 

No2=nitrite No3=nitrate No3 is the least "deadly" to most livestock. Luna

 

14ppm of Dkh is nothing to freak out on, I tested on Sat. and mine was 17ppm. Not to worry, it will go down. The numbers that you posted are fine, but you also need to test for Mag and Cal. Mag, Cal and Alk are the important elements to watch for, esp. Mag. Luna