PeterGwee

I never will ever trust cheapo type of test kits anymore especially for NO3. Other than a LaMotte which isn't available easily in Singapore or Hach (we have a local distributor for it) I would not trust any other brands. I think Tom has make a point on test kits and their accuracy...I agree with him not because he is Tom Barr but because of the experience I went through with all kinds of crappy NO3 kits.

Wandy

Why toss the carbon? does it not serve a purpose or is it detrimental to a new tank? When SHOULD it be used?

PeterGwee

I never will ever trust cheapo type of test kits anymore especially for NO3. Other than a LaMotte which isn't available easily in Singapore or Hach (we have a local distributor for it) I would not trust any other brands. I think Tom has make a point on test kits and their accuracy...I agree with him not because he is Tom Barr but because of the experience I went through with all kinds of crappy NO3 kits.

Steve Pituch

I never use activated carbon in my filters. It will take a lot of stuff out of the water that you have put in. In a few days it gets covered with a biofilm and stops working as carbon and then acts as a biological filter. But gravel does this just as well.

Years ago I heard stories of carbon that was left in filters for a very long time suddenly releasing all the toxic stuff it had collected over the months, with disastrous results.

Steve Pituch

Wandy

Okay, now I understand in laymens terms why no carbon. Thanks Steve.

As I was beginning the beginning of setting up this tank of mine, getting the filter hose cut into its many pieces, waiting for MORE fluorite to come from Big Als, getting the co2 5lb cannister refilled at my local fire extinguisher refiller, I went to attach the regulator I got from Dave Gomberg wcf to the cannister. I wrapped some teflon tape around the threads and by some divine inspiration decided to look at the paperwork that was in the box to see if he mentioned anything about using teflon and there it said to make sure that the nylon washer is in place. Nylon washer? What nylon washer? Not in the regulator, not in the bottom of the box...then i notice the box is not fully sealed and it likely fell out in transit. Emails to Dave, go to local welding supplier?!?!? Like there is one on every corner, back to Dave, and I am sending a self addressed envelope to him and he is sending me a 5cent washer that will hold up the set up for a couple of weeks. Go figure. Oh well. More time to ask questions after lurking for all these months.

Again, if anyone knows of anything that will further delay my many delays and procrastinations please let me know so I can acquire them.

Many thanks.

Sir_BlackhOle

I learned pretty quick that if something can go wrong, something will go wrong.

Steve Pituch

Hi Wandy,

What are you paying for 5# of CO2. Down here I believe 20# of co2 costs the same as 5#, about $15.

Steve

Wandy

I was charged 12$ for 5lbs. I think refilling my co2 will easily be the least expensive part of my aquarium.