The Quick Question Thread

[Neil D]

@ Pew, Im aware of this, but its safer not too, not to mention the sudden difference of water parameters.

[bahamut285]

Originally Posted by Hallyx

@ Bahamut

The box of API aquarium salt says, "...made from evaporated sea water.."

Therefore, probably not 100% sodium chloride.

Excellent, Hallyx, thank you.

[PewPewPew]

Originally Posted by Neil D

@ Pew, Im aware of this, but its safer not too, not to mention the sudden difference of water parameters.

The sudden difference? So long as you acclimate, this is a non-issue.

Your pH would only slightly change and then return to its normal level within a few hours, very gradually (as it would anyway in time), the ammonia, nirtrate, etc would be lessened, but that's again a non-issue.

The hardness would remain the same, so long as you kept the same source water... And the temp would be alright too.

The "sudden difference" is no different than a 100% change in any other bowl.

[Foisair]

I just got a new light for my 2 gal planted tank. It's a zoo med 6500k/10 watt/5" super daylight mini compact fluorescent bulb in a desktop lamp. How many hours a day should I leave it on so my plants get enough light? I have java fern, wisteria, amazon sword, a marimo moss ball and another plant that I'm not sure (it has single, broad leaves at the end of stalks with white, whispy roots.)

[Neil D]

I guess your right Pew. I meant like a tank with no (100%) changes in months. But bowls are changed weekly...but I guess your right (again).

[bahamut285]

@Foisair: You should slowly acclimate your plants to longer and longer hours of light. Most people start with around 6-8 hours of light, adding an hour or so every day until they reach 10-12 hours a day.

I recommend to read P3's Easy Plant Care guide for more information about your specific plants: http://www.bettafish.com/showthread.php?t=76428

[nel3]

i have a question to those using vita chem freshwater. can you add it to stress coat? i dont know if vita chem freshwater doubles up as a conditioner. im thinking of getting it to help my 2 betta heal their fins.

[bahamut285]

I don't believe VitaChem is conditioner, I think it is literally just vitamins to spruce up your water. I have personally used both Prime and Stresscoat+ before together >_>

[nel3]

Originally Posted by bahamut285

I don't believe VitaChem is conditioner, I think it is literally just vitamins to spruce up your water. I have personally used both Prime and Stresscoat+ before together >_>

thank you, i'll add it into the stress coat. i just gotta go buy it tommorow.

[PewPewPew]

Originally Posted by Foisair

I just got a new light for my 2 gal planted tank. It's a zoo med 6500k/10 watt/5" super daylight mini compact fluorescent bulb in a desktop lamp. How many hours a day should I leave it on so my plants get enough light? I have java fern, wisteria, amazon sword, a marimo moss ball and another plant that I'm not sure (it has single, broad leaves at the end of stalks with white, whispy roots.)

Can you get a picture of that last plant for us in the plant thread? We'll help you ID it there :D

And the biggest thing with that amount of light (fantastic, btw- theyll love it) is to go slow, yo! I would start out at around 6 hours for maybe 3 days, then bump to 8 hours for about 3-5 days, then bump to 9-10 hours for good. Longer never hurt.

If you give the plants too much light too fast, there could be a chance for algae to take over.

Make sure that fern doesnt get the brunt of the light, if possible. They like a bit less than most, and might brown and get grumpy if there's too much light.

Originally Posted by Neil D

I guess your right Pew. I meant like a tank with no (100%) changes in months. But bowls are changed weekly...but I guess your right (again).

:3 I dunno. That's just based on my experiences with tanks in the process of cycling.