Much of this information I will provide is condensed and more basic, but comes a from a couple of very in depth and researched articles on this subject (which readers can read if they desire a more in depth understanding). I will not address the organic chemistry aspect (the Nitrogen Cycle), which involves ammonia, nitrates, etc., rather the aspects of KH, GH, pH, mineral … [Read more...] about Aquarium Chemistry, Including Redox for Bettas & Other Fish
KH
PH Crashes: The Roll of Carbonate Hardness (KH)
Ghost shrimp close up, originally uploaded by octopus.gallery. Q: CR wrote, I have a general aquarium question I hope you can help me with. I recently had what I think is a pH crash that quickly killed off my ghost shrimp and several small catfish. I can’t figure out what lead to this and would like to know how to avoid it from happening again. A: When pH fluctuates in a … [Read more...] about PH Crashes: The Roll of Carbonate Hardness (KH)
Indian Almond Leaves: Magical Cure or Placebo
Indian Almond leaves (Terminalia catappa) are one of those homeopathic additives Betta breeders swear by. They are commonly found all over Southeast Asia and India and are imported to many western countries and available in the U.S. To the best of my knowledge, no serious scientific studies have been performed proving that they are at all beneficial to Bettas but they are so … [Read more...] about Indian Almond Leaves: Magical Cure or Placebo