Hagen test kits?

Question

Hi, just test my water for ammonia
my p.h. is 7.6
my test for ammiona came out at 0.03 green zone below 1.2mg/
I am using nutrafin cycle
and i do 20% water change every 2 weeks
Just got the new hagen testkit
all my other test where ok.

Just i am still new to fishkeeping but learning all the time.
Also i am due some unwanted Goldfish but the problem is, need to setup a tank i was thinking of puting the few fish in a temp tank and using nutrafin cycle for my temp setup(DOUBLE THE DOSE) while the other tank is being cycle.
Would this be ok

Answer 1

Hi David,

I'm a little confused by your question. I take it you have a tank with fish of your own, and want to set up something for goldfish you'll be getting as well?

The test results seem to indicate that your tank is still cycling, otherwise you shouldn't be reading any ammonia. This could also be the result of a water conditioner if you use the type that "binds" ammonia (this really isn't recommended, since the ammonia will still show up on your water tests, so you have no idea what the level of free ammonia really is, plus it doesn't seem to be used by the bacteria as easily as the manufacturers would have you believe). It may also be because of the use of cycle if it isn't needed. While this seems like a good idea to "jump start" bacteria in your tank, if there isn't enough ammonia and nitrite to support all you put in, the "excess" bacteria will die and add to the ammonia in your tank. It could also be an artifact/false positive of the test.

If you have time before you get the goldfish, at least starting the temporary tank cycling would be a good idea. Goldfish can produce a hefty amount of wastes, so any bacteria you can get to help out beforehand will keep the fish in better health. Again, if there's not enough ammonia in the tank, adding too much bacteria may just cause the extra to die off. So don't just add the bacteria, you should also add an ammonia source. A few of your own fish would be one way, but you could aslo just add fish food (which adds ammonia as it decomposes), or pure ammonia (you can buy bottled ammonia as a cleaner, just be sure it soesn't have any additives). Just add one drop for every 2 gallons of tank volume per day. Then you won't have to expose any of your fish to high ammonia or nitrite levels, but still get the tank ready for the goldfish.

Answer 2

I'm sorry but I have one advice. Go to Petsmart and ask them to test your water. Then, they'll tell you whats wrong