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Re: Quick cycling

Posted By: iris <iris6@aol.com>
Date: Wednesday, 5 January 2000, at 3:57 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Quick cycling (Vicky)

I've been keeping fish for so long that I rarely use test kits myself. I do use them on occasion, especially with the pH for the discus, since they hate change. I will also use them when I think I have a situation of some sort and I want to really really be sure I've eliminated obvious causes.

I can smell nitrite (it's an ashy sweet smell, the best description I can give)even in small quantities, and feel (with my skin) nitrate if it gets too high. I can guesstimate the temp with my hand. Partially I've been proven (in a lab) to have an unusual sense of smell, but mostly it's just a lot of hands-on care.

I think beginners should use test kits until they get the hang of things and get used to the signals from their fish. After that, the fish will let you know what they need. But I'm easy about other opinions.

PS - I did use test kits while coming up with my "quick cycling" system, to be sure it was working the way I thought it was.
 

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