*sigh* I need input please...

[Zilla]

Since my 55 gallon cycle is coming along so nicely, I figured I should start a QT / Hospital tank. I thought perhaps I could get around the copper issue with my well water by adding stuff to the filter to remove it, but now I don't know if it would be worth doing or not.

The first time I tested my well water was with the bad test kit I was sold, so I tested it again this afternoon with the new one. Here's the ugly numbers:

pH- 6.0
Chlorine-0
Carbon Hardness-1
General Hardness-1
Nitrite-0
Iron-0
Ammonia-.25
Phosphate-0
Calcium->20 ppm
Nitrate- 15 ppm

Is this even worth working with? If so, am I going to have to turn this tank ( a 20 gallon long) into a chemical cesspool in order just to get somewhat normal water parameters? If the general opinion that it would be more work than what it is worth to fix this, I'll just fill this tank with spring water as well.

[Oscar_freak12321]

It's worth working with, because all of those things can be taken out and the tank will be underway. Might want to raise the ph, though.

[rich311k]

It is awfully soft but some crushed coral would fix that.Besides that it is not too bad.

[PostalPenguin]

I would add a bit of crushed coral to the substrate to improve the waters hardness and buffering ability. Other than that you should be fine.

[Zilla]

At the moment the bottom of the tank is bare and I've never used crushed coral before. Is there any special formula that I should be using, or should I just add alittle at a time and test after I add it?

It's the ammonia and nitrate levels that are making me grumpy. The tank will cycle, but how do I get a handle on these post cycle? Do I need to use something like Hypersorb or will it work itself out? I've already commited to buying Cuprisorb to get rid of the copper, but I need to order a kit so I know exactly that I'm dealing with first.

[rich311k]

That liitle bit of ammonia will be easily handled by your bio filter. the nitrates will be ok. You will just have to realize that you cant get much below that level but it is within tolerable range.

Add a cup or two of the crushed coral it will raise the KH and leveloff. When the Kh starts to drop replace it. It lasts a good long time so it is not a weekly chore.

[bushwhacker]

the waters fine leave it alone

[Zilla]

Thanks all for the input. :thumb:

I'll add the crushed coral as it has been suggested and just keep tabs on how this cycling goes. Apparently I've been spoiled with the "clean" cycle that is going on upstairs with the 55 gallon so panic settled in when I saw ammonia and nitrates straight from the tap. Maybe I need to come up with a way to grow moss in my water lines. Just kidding...kind of. LOL