Questions regarding people's experience with pH - Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-28T08:29:45Zhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A30188&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI was on the first floor, luc…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-23:4778851:Comment:301902010-12-23T04:38:56.000ZMike Creuzerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/creuzerm
<p>I was on the first floor, lucky no basement. I had to use a steam cleaner to suck up all the water and some fans to help dry things.</p>
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<p>The water under the carpet and the weight of the tank where enough to warp the floor about a quarter of an inch over the 4 foot length of the tank. You could just barely tell if you knew it was there when walking. A tank is a large water level, so looking at that, it's easy to see.</p>
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<p>The whole cause of it was my playing with putting a…</p>
<p>I was on the first floor, lucky no basement. I had to use a steam cleaner to suck up all the water and some fans to help dry things.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The water under the carpet and the weight of the tank where enough to warp the floor about a quarter of an inch over the 4 foot length of the tank. You could just barely tell if you knew it was there when walking. A tank is a large water level, so looking at that, it's easy to see.</p>
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<p>The whole cause of it was my playing with putting a tank on top of the tank. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mike.creuzer.com/on/nanotank" target="_blank">http://mike.creuzer.com/on/nanotank</a></p>
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<p>I had made a weir siphon overflow box <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mike.creuzer.com/2009/05/homemade-aqaurium-weir-siphon-overflow-box.html" target="_blank">http://mike.creuzer.com/2009/05/homemade-aqaurium-weir-siphon-overf...</a> for the small tank on top. The first time, I think my drain lines moved or maybe just weren't long enough of something so they came short of fully draining into the tank, and I pumped all the water from the big tank into the little tank and flooded the floor. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mike.creuzer.com/2009/06/the-trouble-with-water.html" target="_blank">http://mike.creuzer.com/2009/06/the-trouble-with-water.html</a> & <a href="http://mike.creuzer.com/2009/06/aqurium-disaster.html" target="_blank">http://mike.creuzer.com/2009/06/aqurium-disaster.html</a> (missing it's photos, sorry)</p>
<p>The second time, my drain tubes air-locked I think. They ended up forming an S shape, but there wasn't enough elevation to push the air clear of the 2nd curve in the drain tubes. <a href="http://mike.creuzer.com/2009/08/tearing-down-a-75-gallon-tank-to-clean-up-water.html" target="_blank">http://mike.creuzer.com/2009/08/tearing-down-a-75-gallon-tank-to-clean-up-water.html</a> 1 big drain is better than 2 small ones in this case.</p>
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<p>Needless to say, I now build stuff so that they want to flow back into a container, rather than the floor.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think that's all my flood related blog posts, I edited this post 3 times now as I found more posts.</p>
<p><br/> <cite>Ricky Flickenger said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A30188&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment30189"><div>Hey Mike, I meant to ask you, what happened that your tank dumped twice? Hopefully no damage anywhere - my place makes me nervous because it's an apt and there is carpet everywhere, also on the third floor.<br/> <br/> <cite>Mike Creuzer said:</cite><br/><blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30053"><div>...a bunch of stuff...<br/><blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples#4778851Comment30042"></blockquote>
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</blockquote> Hey Mike, I meant to ask you,…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-23:4778851:Comment:301892010-12-23T03:58:10.000ZRicky Flickengerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/RickyFlickenger
Hey Mike, I meant to ask you, what happened that your tank dumped twice? Hopefully no damage anywhere - my place makes me nervous because it's an apt and there is carpet everywhere, also on the third floor.<br></br>
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<cite>Mike Creuzer said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30053"><div><p>Your using the filtering gear from the 10 gallon tank, so your system should basically be 'cycled' already. I…</p>
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Hey Mike, I meant to ask you, what happened that your tank dumped twice? Hopefully no damage anywhere - my place makes me nervous because it's an apt and there is carpet everywhere, also on the third floor.<br/>
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<cite>Mike Creuzer said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30053"><div><p>Your using the filtering gear from the 10 gallon tank, so your system should basically be 'cycled' already. I don't recall you adding any fish, so the larger tank & more water shouldn't be much of a problem.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did you ever get the chlorine drops? I don't like using them myself, but I do have a bottle around just for such emergencies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've dumped my 75 gallon tank over night twice now, so I feel your pain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I discovered your blog about a month ago and have been following it too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Keep up the good work, and your lucks bound to turn around sooner or later!</p>
<p><br/><cite>Ricky Flickenger said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples#4778851Comment30042"><div><p>Rest of test results are in:</p>
<p>Nitrites - 0 ppm</p>
<p>Nitrates - somewhere between 10 and 20 ppm</p>
<p>I expect nitrates to go back down in the coming days...and I can now breathe a sigh of relief<img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/><br/> <br/></p>
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</blockquote> I like the name as well - whe…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-23:4778851:Comment:301882010-12-23T03:56:15.000ZRicky Flickengerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/RickyFlickenger
I like the name as well - when are you planning on launching?<br></br>
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<cite>Sylvia Bernstein said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30083"><div><p>It's your topic, you can hijack if you want to (remind you of a song?) <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"></img></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The tests went very well and I'll be launching a Cycling kit product based on a combination of Maxicrop and powdered ammonia to cycle tanks up to 100…</p>
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I like the name as well - when are you planning on launching?<br/>
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<cite>Sylvia Bernstein said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30083"><div><p>It's your topic, you can hijack if you want to (remind you of a song?) <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The tests went very well and I'll be launching a Cycling kit product based on a combination of Maxicrop and powdered ammonia to cycle tanks up to 100 gallons, 100 - 300 and 300 - 500. Looking for a name... I'm thinking of Stressless Cycling. What do you think?</p>
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</blockquote> I like it.
Remember there i…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-22:4778851:Comment:300842010-12-22T14:27:03.000ZMike Creuzerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/creuzerm
<p>I like it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Remember there is a MUCH larger aquarium market out there that this could apply to. Even though the maxicrop would give them fits.<br></br> <cite>Sylvia Bernstein said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A30083&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment30083"><div><p>It's your topic, you can hijack if you want to (remind you of a song?) <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"></img></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The tests…</p>
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<p>I like it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Remember there is a MUCH larger aquarium market out there that this could apply to. Even though the maxicrop would give them fits.<br/> <cite>Sylvia Bernstein said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A30083&xg_source=msg_com_forum#4778851Comment30083"><div><p>It's your topic, you can hijack if you want to (remind you of a song?) <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The tests went very well and I'll be launching a Cycling kit product based on a combination of Maxicrop and powdered ammonia to cycle tanks up to 100 gallons, 100 - 300 and 300 - 500. Looking for a name... I'm thinking of Stressless Cycling. What do you think?</p>
</div>
</blockquote> It's your topic, you can hija…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-22:4778851:Comment:300832010-12-22T13:56:43.000ZSylvia Bernsteinhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/SylviaBernstein
<p>It's your topic, you can hijack if you want to (remind you of a song?) <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The tests went very well and I'll be launching a Cycling kit product based on a combination of Maxicrop and powdered ammonia to cycle tanks up to 100 gallons, 100 - 300 and 300 - 500. Looking for a name... I'm thinking of Stressless Cycling. What do you think?</p>
<p>It's your topic, you can hijack if you want to (remind you of a song?) <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Grin.gif"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The tests went very well and I'll be launching a Cycling kit product based on a combination of Maxicrop and powdered ammonia to cycle tanks up to 100 gallons, 100 - 300 and 300 - 500. Looking for a name... I'm thinking of Stressless Cycling. What do you think?</p> Thank goodness! LOL...not to…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-22:4778851:Comment:300612010-12-22T02:45:59.000ZRicky Flickengerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/RickyFlickenger
Thank goodness! LOL...not to hijack my own forum discussion, but how are your cycling tests going?<br/>
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<cite>Sylvia Bernstein said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30059"><div>Ricky, sounds like all is now calm and right in your AP world. You can go grab a glass of vino and relax. <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/></div>
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Thank goodness! LOL...not to hijack my own forum discussion, but how are your cycling tests going?<br/>
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<cite>Sylvia Bernstein said:</cite><br />
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30059"><div>Ricky, sounds like all is now calm and right in your AP world. You can go grab a glass of vino and relax. <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/></div>
</blockquote> Ricky, sounds like all is now…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-22:4778851:Comment:300592010-12-22T02:38:23.000ZSylvia Bernsteinhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/SylviaBernstein
Ricky, sounds like all is now calm and right in your AP world. You can go grab a glass of vino and relax. <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/>
Ricky, sounds like all is now calm and right in your AP world. You can go grab a glass of vino and relax. <img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/> Hi Mike, glad you've been fol…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-22:4778851:Comment:300552010-12-22T00:58:41.000ZRicky Flickengerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/RickyFlickenger
Hi Mike, glad you've been following as well, thanks!<br />
I thought tank would be cycled...most of the way...if you'll go with it, LOL. Was fearing I killed off some of the colony though because when the dump happened, I DIDN'T have the dechlorinator. I had to add some water for volume while waiting 2 hours for the pet store to open so I could buy the drops, at least now I have them in case, I don't like using them either.<br />
Not worried anymore either since buying a better test kit - put my mind at…
Hi Mike, glad you've been following as well, thanks!<br />
I thought tank would be cycled...most of the way...if you'll go with it, LOL. Was fearing I killed off some of the colony though because when the dump happened, I DIDN'T have the dechlorinator. I had to add some water for volume while waiting 2 hours for the pet store to open so I could buy the drops, at least now I have them in case, I don't like using them either.<br />
Not worried anymore either since buying a better test kit - put my mind at ease for upcoming trip and between observation & the tests, I can my tank is right where it needs (and I thought) it should be. My original freak out & confusion was because the fish/plant behavior wasn't matching the test results, so I thought maybe I was missing some important facts.<br />
Thanks for the response :-)<br/><br/><cite>Mike Creuzer said:</cite><blockquote><div><p>Your using the filtering gear from the 10 gallon tank, so your system should basically be 'cycled' already. I don't recall you adding any fish, so the larger tank & more water shouldn't be much of a problem.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did you ever get the chlorine drops? I don't like using them myself, but I do have a bottle around just for such emergencies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've dumped my 75 gallon tank over night twice now, so I feel your pain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I discovered your blog about a month ago and have been following it too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Keep up the good work, and your lucks bound to turn around sooner or later!</p>
<p><br/><cite>Ricky Flickenger said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples#4778851Comment30042"><div><p>Rest of test results are in:</p>
<p>Nitrites - 0 ppm</p>
<p>Nitrates - somewhere between 10 and 20 ppm</p>
<p>I expect nitrates to go back down in the coming days...and I can now breathe a sigh of relief<img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/><br/> <br/></p>
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</blockquote> Your using the filtering gear…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-22:4778851:Comment:300532010-12-22T00:49:57.000ZMike Creuzerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/creuzerm
<p>Your using the filtering gear from the 10 gallon tank, so your system should basically be 'cycled' already. I don't recall you adding any fish, so the larger tank & more water shouldn't be much of a problem.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did you ever get the chlorine drops? I don't like using them myself, but I do have a bottle around just for such emergencies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've dumped my 75 gallon tank over night twice now, so I feel your pain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I discovered your blog about a month…</p>
<p>Your using the filtering gear from the 10 gallon tank, so your system should basically be 'cycled' already. I don't recall you adding any fish, so the larger tank & more water shouldn't be much of a problem.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did you ever get the chlorine drops? I don't like using them myself, but I do have a bottle around just for such emergencies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've dumped my 75 gallon tank over night twice now, so I feel your pain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I discovered your blog about a month ago and have been following it too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Keep up the good work, and your lucks bound to turn around sooner or later!</p>
<p><br/><cite>Ricky Flickenger said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples#4778851Comment30042"><div><p>Rest of test results are in:</p>
<p>Nitrites - 0 ppm</p>
<p>Nitrates - somewhere between 10 and 20 ppm</p>
<p>I expect nitrates to go back down in the coming days...and I can now breathe a sigh of relief<img src="http://www.bkserv.net/images/Smile.gif"/><br/> <br/></p>
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</blockquote> Rest of test results are in:…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2010-12-21:4778851:Comment:300422010-12-21T22:11:03.000ZRicky Flickengerhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/RickyFlickenger
<p>Rest of test results are in:</p>
<p>Nitrites - 0 ppm</p>
<p>Nitrates - somewhere between 10 and 20 ppm</p>
<p>I expect nitrates to go back down in the coming days...and I can now breathe a sigh of relief :)<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Ricky Flickenger said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30041"><div><p>Sylvia, I love that you've been following, and you're right, WAY too much excitement!! As much as I…</p>
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<p>Rest of test results are in:</p>
<p>Nitrites - 0 ppm</p>
<p>Nitrates - somewhere between 10 and 20 ppm</p>
<p>I expect nitrates to go back down in the coming days...and I can now breathe a sigh of relief :)<br/> <br/> <cite>Ricky Flickenger said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30041"><div><p>Sylvia, I love that you've been following, and you're right, WAY too much excitement!! As much as I wanted to start the big tank, this was not the way I wanted to do it - very stressful after all my careful months of building the 10 gallon. I just want this one to be stable so I when I leave to go home to Philly for 4 days everything is fine for my roomie to just feed my tank.</p>
<p>After I posted my comment, I decided it was silly NOT to get a better kit, I was holding off because of the cost, but I went and got a better kit. My pH - which I JUST measured - is between 7 and 7.2, thank goodness, because I DID NOT want to mess with it. I did buy some argonite in case, but now I can return it. I was dreading reading about how much I would have to add compared to my current pH and amount of water, and then testing frequently to watch the rise and hoping it wouldn't go too high, but freak out averted!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I still have to measure nitrites/nitrates, but my ammonia levels are at .25ppm - which I am currently not worrying about at all since I'm basically re - cycling, though hopefully with a boost from the gravel and used filter. I expect that to fall back to 0 fairly soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll keep you posted 7 of course will be be blogging about the tank. Thanks for the input though! Always nice to hear from you!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ricky<br/> <br/> <cite>Sylvia Bernstein said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/questions-regarding-peoples?xg_source=activity#4778851Comment30037"><div><p>Hey Ricky. I've been following your blog and your trials and travails the past week. too much excitement!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Before I comment or make any suggestions I would want you to be pretty sure about that pH number. I'm not a fan of test strips - as you said, they just aren't very accurate. If you add something like crushed coral to your media - which is permanent - and then find that your pH was ok all along you might be setting up the next problem. Do you have a master test kit with dropper reagents? Or can you pick one up from the aquarium store?</p>
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