Change tank setup

[Terri]

Matt can i take out that large fake coral. Or is it covered in beneficial bacteria. I want to replace it with a lg red piece. I have had it in the tank for a yr. i don't want to get an ammonia spike if i take it out. Shrek doesn't like to eat the hair algae off it so it needs cleaned and red would be nice. or something real, maybe a lg rock and tree sponge. and Qt tank is having high ammonia doing 80% wc a day still not helping it's back before bed. and new babies are courting .He has a big pouch already. i thought he's to young these are the erectus in Qt. Ammonia .6

[panmanmatt]

Go ahead and change it out. It shouldn't cause a spike.

The erectus are sexually mature at 4-5 months of age so they are plenty old enough to court. Keep up with the water changed to keep the ammoia doen. You can also use an ammonia blocking product such as Prime or Amquel plus.

[lcstorc]

Since I am about to go through this I fugured I would tag along.
With the amonia is it better to do 80% once a day or 50% twice a day? Does it make a difference? I ran into the problem when I had fish in qt and even with twice a day 50% water changes and amquel I still had detectible amonia.

[panmanmatt]

I do 50% daily on my Qt's and have never had a problem. The key is to remove any uneaten food after you feed them. I do that with an airline so as not to remove much water.

If using Amquel, you will still get an ammonia reading, it just binds to the ammonia rendering it non-toxic. It doesn't really remove it per se.

[lcstorc]

As long as it makes it safe for my babies I am good with it. Such a small amount of water it is pretty quick and easy to make the change,

[Terri]

Hi Lynn I started out doing 50% a day but now it's trying to cycle. I washed out the pads in fresh water i thought that would help but no change. I will try what you said Matt thanks . So the erectus are old enough, you might get babies after all Matt. Lynn are you getting pony if so when and what type.

[Terri]

You know if my husband beat me up during courtship like the erectus we never would of had kids. just thought id throw that in. I'm watching them.. It's not working with him either, his pouch is so lg it could pop. he won't let go of her.. been at it all day. She just not that type of a girl.

[lcstorc]

Sounds like you are having a great time pony watching.
I have recently cycled a 90g tech tank for my new ponies. I get the first pair when I get home at the beginning of the month. I was going to get them for the new year but found out I would be gone for half the month so they are on hold at the breeder. I will eventually have 3 pair of erectus but I will be adding them 2 at a time. I am very excited about the arrival of the new babies.
I have had kuda and erectus before but with that tank I had temp problems and in time lost them all. The new tank is much bigger with a chiller. Between that and Matt's help I am very hopeful this time around.
I will post pics as soon as I get my babies. I already have a thread started for the tank.

[Terri]

I think you will be fine. and look at all the fun your going to have.

[lcstorc]

I know. I am so excited.
Kind of funny. I am in NY for work but all I can think about is going home to get my new ponies.

[hma]

I am waiting the first picture Lynn !

[Stacef]

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[panmanmatt]

Originally Posted by Stacef

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Got it, Thanks

[SeahorseBT]

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[panmanmatt]

Originally Posted by SeahorseBT

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Was a spammer Blake. Post has been removed.