Fishkeeping: Day 2

I checked the various chemical levels last night to see if things were starting to equalize. The numbers were as follows:

• pH = 7.2
• Nitrate = 5.0 mg/l
• Ammonia = 1.0 mg/l
• Nitrite = 0.0 mg/l

Everything is going down pretty nicely except it appears the Nitrate levels actually went up. I added 2 scoops of pH 7.0 and will check to see if it goes down tonight.

I stopped by the local PetSmart yesterday while we were getting the oil changed in our car and checked out the fish section. I took one look at the Cichlids and was amazed at how beautiful they are. Too bad they are in no way compatible with the Barbs that I already have ready to transfer into my tank.

I also checked over the accessories section and found some suction cups to keep the air bubbler secured to the bottom of the tank. I also got a check valve so the water doesn't flow into the device. I felt I needed the check valve considering I have the pump below the water level. I haven't installed them yet, but I plan to before I put the fish in the tank.