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Post by stevenp on Jul 5, 2005 14:55:33 GMT -5
Rachel,
I agree, that's why I'm so glad someone threw out a red flag!
Steve
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Post by stevenp on Jul 6, 2005 19:45:45 GMT -5
Starlight, Regarding the R/O water, I don't do much of anything to prepare it. I run a 4 stage RO/DI so the water coming out is pretty much stripped of everything and has a TDS of zero. I didn't add any buffers or water treatment. PH is good. I have not check the AK yet, I was going to give it a few days. I probably didn't go through as much water preperation that you do  Steve |
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Post by starlight on Jul 6, 2005 22:58:30 GMT -5
Steve, is that how you prepare it for the marine tank? Have you been using the r/o water in your freshwater tanks? The water coming out of my ro/di is 5.0 or less pH. I have to re-work it a bit to make it usable. Just wondering.
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Post by stevenp on Jul 7, 2005 21:16:10 GMT -5
The PH test kit I use only reads to 6, and it's less than that coming out of the RO/DI.
I never used R/O in freshwater tanks until now, only because I never had an R/O unit, and never really needed one. The water here is horrible. In fact, it's the only place I've lived where I didn't drink the tap water. Plus, it seems that SW tanks demand cleaner base water, generally speaking, which is why I made the investment.
By the time I added the sand and decorations to the Betta tank, the PH was just a hair over 7.0. Not sure what raised it, but it worked out. I don't plan to do anything different regarding water preperation for the Betta tank in the future, as long as the PH measures OK in the tank. I really don't like adding chemicals to aquariums.
Regarding the SW tank, I don't add anything but salt, and a bit of baking soda to keep my AK at 11 DKH. The PH is rock solid at 8.2, right where it needs to be. MG is 1350 and CA is 460 (I like my CA high), which is also right where I want it to be. I have a lot of live rock and a refugium with macro algae, and try to let nature take care of everything else.
In a nutshell, I'm pretty much playing it by ear as far as the Betta tank goes.
Steve
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Post by starlight on Jul 7, 2005 21:42:33 GMT -5
Thanks Steven for taking the time to tell us about your ro/di water. You might want to check the KH to make sure it's not too low. As you probably know water with low KH is subject to pH swings.
After maintaining a reef tank, a fw betta tank is just a walk in the park.
Happy Birthday!
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Post by stevenp on Jul 7, 2005 21:46:02 GMT -5
Heh, thanks for the Happy Birthday!
I plan to keep an eye on things. Ever since I REALLY starting getting into fish keeping over the last year, I never payed as much attention to water parameters etc.
I wouldn't say the Betta tank is a walk in the park, but more of a refound experience. I have to say, so far, I'm getting a lot of enjoyment out of the Betta tank!!
Steve
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Post by stevenp on Jul 7, 2005 22:16:12 GMT -5
Updated pic. Didn't use the flash so it's kind of dark.  Steve |
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