liquid test kits
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Should i be using the ‘saltwater’ or ‘freshwater’ testing kits for my brackish tank. i keep a 1.012 level and have been using the saltwater API tests. is this accurate? I am also setting up a new tank. ive read you can use the media from an exsisting tank to help the cycle along.i took out some media from my exsisting tank and put it in a ziploc bag. Will the beneficial bacteria die off if it dries out? how can i preserve it until i set up the new tank or will it be ok in the ziploc. what else can i do to help since last time it took me 8 weeks to cycle my 40 gal.! thanks again. Karen
Hey Karen I am not sure you should use a saltwater test on a brackish water setup… especially at your low level of salinity you’d be better off with a freshwater kit. API is an excellent testing kit though… I know this is the most promoted on aquarist websites. Okay for one…. leave the media in the current tank…. there is no need to store it unless you are shutting down that tank. Even still there is little chance it would survive in a ziplock bag. The beneficial bacteria will most definitely die off if dried. Is the tank your taking media from a brackish water tank as well? Because if it is not you may run into issues with the bacteria not taking off in your tank with the current salt levels. If it is from a freshwater tank I would cycle your new tank freshwater add the beneficial bacteria and after a few weeks slowly start adding marine salt to your tank. Sadly its not a quick process to cycle a tank and should be done right or you may run into the tank falling out of cycling and having to start all over again. Keep in mind 8 weeks is typical in a cycle….. that is not at all unusual. Michaela — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, karen testa
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