[Byron]

As to the water, a major water change yesterday, 75%, plus heavy vacuuming brought the nitrate down to 20ppm. That, plus raping the bottom of the reagent bottle to break up the crystals all seemed to work. Yeah! Still not where we want it but much better than it was. THANK YOU, ALL!!!! I have learned a lot. Lost only one neon tetra and that was while vacuuming. Of course, long term, who knows.

This is sounding good.

Byron,
A couple of times especially earlier in this thread you have mentioned problems with the mix on my fish. I am aware of some of them. One blue groumi will be rehomed as soon as I can catch it. I plan on setting up another tank for some of the fish that do not work well here, such as the kissing groumi and silver dollars. I would appreciate it if you could begin to give me pointers on the size tank I am going to need so I can keep my eyes open for a deal. I have room for one that I could put in my Great Room as a see-through room divider.

My best suggestion here is for you to give a careful read of the profile for each fish. While the size of the fish (like the Kissing Gourami) is a real issue, it also has other issues. You might be best re-homing it if you can. That's up to you. Some fish just don't make good community residents (just like people:lol. The profile gives the minimum tank size for each species, and mentions numbers of the species where that is relevant, and compatibility issues. I certainly don't mind answering specific quesitons when I can, but as I put a great deal of work into the profiles I like to see members going there first.;-)

Byron.

 

[Boredomb]

20 ppm of nitrates isn't a number I would worry about. Lower is better yes but 20 isn't bad. Its definitely a heck of a lot better then number you had!

Oh I don't exactly live in the middle of nowhere. I have multiple fish stores I can go to in a 45 mile radius. They just don't have the best selection of anything. Most of what I get I have ordered or had the store order.

 

[Hallyx]

Dropping a bead or bit of gravel into the #2 Nitrate bottle makes it easier to mix/shake more thoroughly.

 

[ColoradoUtah]

That's a good idea. Today's read was 40+ppm nitrates so a wc will be in the offing tomorrow. The tank looks great. Crystal clear.
Fish also seem to be doing well. I am feeding less. But, making sure there are more veggies available. A 'column' of floating plant material has developed in the middle of the tank creating a visual buffer. As a result, the one dominant blue groumai seems less concerned with the other blue one. Overall, things are peaceful.