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
pH
Can PH Fluctuations Lead to Illnesses in Betta Fish?
DSCN9841, originally uploaded by starlessdesigns. Q: C wrote, Remember me? I emailed you awhile back about my male fish named Sushi. He had the mysterious disease. He finally had gotten better with the inside/outside anti bacterial food. He was all back to normal. But that only lasted about 3 weeks or so.I have been doing the water changes AND I got the test stripes to test … [Read more...] about Can PH Fluctuations Lead to Illnesses in Betta Fish?
Unstable PH Looks Like Common Bettas Disease
Q: J wrote, I have a Crowntail Splendid Betta; named Bartholomew, whom I’ve had for 1½ years now. I keep him in a 5½ gallon tank with a filter, heater set at 73 degrees, and an air pump with no added tank mates. The tank environment consists of two plastic plants, four fabric plants, a castle for a hideout, two small Java ferns and blue, white and black aquarium rocks at the … [Read more...] about Unstable PH Looks Like Common Bettas Disease
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)
Betta Fish Just Laying Around
betta_01, originally uploaded by james_b_b. Q: B wrote,I have been all over trying to get help for my betta, Fritz. He has been sick for over a week now. Color is dim and he just lays on the bottom, rarely tries to swim or eat. I have changed the water, even tried lowering the water level so he wouldn’t have to swim far to eat. Nothing is helping. I don’t see marks on him or … [Read more...] about Betta Fish Just Laying Around
Chronic Betta Illnesses
portrait of a fish, originally uploaded by olya. Q: SF wrote, I have a betta who is about 2 years old. He’s not well. He is quite lethargic, sits at the bottom regularly, has just developed a few white patches and has had popeye in one eye only for about 7 months. I have tried EM, Marycin, MarycinII, Betta Remedy and have just started him on QuICK Cure. I have never mixed … [Read more...] about Chronic Betta Illnesses
Indian Almond Leaves: Magical Cure or Placebo
breeding tank overhead, originally uploaded by revs45. 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 … [Read more...] about Indian Almond Leaves: Magical Cure or Placebo
Adjusting Aquarium pH Level
Q: WC wrote, Bettas like slightly acidic water but my tap water is basic with a pH at 7.8. Should I add pH down? How fast should I let the pH fall? A: This is a great question. PH can be confusing and even when you know the numbers knowing what to do with them can send an aquarists head spinning. I will try and keep it as simple as possible. PH is the Power of Hydrogen and … [Read more...] about Adjusting Aquarium pH Level