Ammonia help

Im topping the water up every other day cos its evaporating quite a bit.
Click to expand...
Do you mean you're doing water changes? or just adding new water, because the latter is kindof a bad idea.
(and I'm sorry but I can't remember exactly why, it's 02:41 after all)
 
Your tank contains water with certain chemicals dissolved in it.
Evaporation will tend to remove pure water rather than the chemicals, so if evaporation causes the level of the tank to drop, the tank-water will therefore contain relatively more chemicals (ie. a stronger solution).
Regular water changes are a must.
Topping up between proper water changes is okay, as long as the water is treated, or is bottled natural spring water (but not distilled water, for batteries, irons, etc).

BlackDog's description of the cycle was spot-on.

(and yeah, Cloudy, it's getting late!) :happy:
 
Cheers guys, Im currently doing the 20% change daily plus topping up when needed, its a catch 22 at the minute, although the fan isnt very good it does keep it a degree lower but when its on its evaporating the water. Same readings as before, hopefully it wont take too long to sort its self out. As normal im cleaning out their poop on a daily basis with my handy turkey baster :) They are all eating as normal and seem fairly happy so I just have to keep up the changes and hope for the best.
 
As Ken says, when water evaporates, only the water part of it leaves the tank and the chemicals and minerals are left behind and become more and more concentrated if you keep using tap water to top up.

You can collect rainwater instead to top up your tank after evaporation, this will stop the concentration of chemicals going up. But you must still use dechlorinated tap water or spring water for your water changes because axies actually need some of the minerals that are in the water for their health.

Confusing eh? :crazy:

I think your main concern at the moment is still your cycling and keeping down your nitrates and ammonia. I would worry more about evaporation and using the right sort of water to top this up once your tank is safely cycled.

Just out of curiosity, is there any cooler places you can move your tank to if the water is evaporating so quickly? Does your aquarium have a lid on? If it does, then removing it or using a mesh lid instead will help keep the water cool and you could also try insulating some parts of the glass. On my tank at school I've attached bubblewrap to the two sides of the glass which are not on view and then over that I put tinfoil to reflect away some of the heat from the room.
 
Hiya
Its pretty much in the coolest place poss. :( The water is only evaporating because of the fan thats on it, when the fans not on its fine. No lid, left it off because it shaved off a degree or so.
I like the rain water idea, with the amount we are getting at the moment I should have loads in no time lol.
Im using tap water but its been standing for over a day and anything I need to use quicker I use the safe tap stuff on it.
Im going to try and leave the fan off for a few days, its not that great anyway and only cools it down by 1degree, which is pretty rubbish. Im on the look out for a mini fridge to make a chiller :)
 
I hated having temperature problems :(, glad iv got it sorted now... Im suprised your still having problems, since the wethers been so bad.... My rooms like an ice box but i won't close my window cause i don't want the tank water to warm up again... Keep looking for that fridge, so much is off you sholders when you don't have to worry about the temp... Not looking forward to next summer though :p... And my axies said hello to their brothers/sisters lol :p
 
Ah... moomin, twiglet and evo say hi back :)
Its a nightmare, weird thing is my flats freezing but the tank is still 21-22. Im sat here with blankets the lot, dont want to put a heater on because I dont want it to get any warmer for them. Things we do hey lol
 
:p Yes just like me, I had all my blankets, you would think it was snowing outside and it might be getting colder, but I don't think the rest of my family will freeze for my axies and will have the heating on :(... My windows never going to shut again :p My tank was about that temp but with the ice. I can keep it down unless we actually have a hot day... But yes the things we do lol
 
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My leccy is called moomin x)

Ersh same, windows open, heating off upstairs (that's where the cold tanks are) water still at 19C.
Slept on the sofa downstairs for a couple of nights (while we've been having the miserable weather) because I refuse to shut my windows, and it's warmer down here xD
 
Its a cool name :)
Oooh what are those white plant things in your photo, I like them, are they real or plastic?
I can only have the windows open while Im in the flat, big sash windows and im in a ground floor studio! But its single glazing so its well cold, just wish the tank was the same.
At least the water is looking alot clearer, the daily water changes must be working :)
 
That's goo to hear ^^
it's a poly material plastic thing.
It's made by azoo. they are 'neon coral'
I have a white and green one, =D
They sway about all pretty ^^ and are uv reactive D: I need some more D:

My axies really like them, it's like they've claimed one each to sit in. they've got loads of colours, purple blue ect, different sizes and designs.

speaking of Azoo they do some really good fan coolers aswell nice and cheep like £20-40 ect brought my tank down by 5C, apparently they can do 7C. not sure where you can get their stuff online though, so I can't link you :(

--

actually found this link

Clicky

Never heard of or seen the site before though, eBay is probably better.
I get all my stuff from a shoppy =]
 
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ooooh.....ta.
Ive got to get me some of those, love them. Ahhhh ta for the link, that is the actual fan I have and its done nothing for my tank maybe 1degree but thats it. maybe I got it set up wrong?
Maybe I need a trip upto Birmingham, whats the name of the shop lol. :)
 
I go to several, just a small family business and some garden centres. I can't remember the names, just remember how to drive to the centers and that the family buisness is "alan's shop" lol
 
Im on the search for them, think Ive found some on ebay too. well if I ever come up north, ill look out for alans lol :)
 
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