It has been 90 days +1 since my last water change.
I have just completed a 1/2 volume water change (180 gallons)
Utilizing an API test kit kept in 70 degrees ambient temp: 01-26-09
H2O temperature, 78 degrees
NH3, NH4+, zero (no definitive color readable higher then zero)
NO2-, zero (no definitive color readable higher then zero)
NO3-, 3ppm*
pH, 7.2
* the color present in the test-tube was somewhere between 0 and 5ppm. I placed my best guess at 3ppm.
Utilizing an API test kit kept in 70 degrees ambient temp: 09-06-08
H2O temperature, 76 degrees
NH3, NH4+, zero*
NO2-, zero*
NO3-, 2.5*
pH, 7.4
* values similar to findings 01-26-09 as noted in above (*) statement.
A chemical filtration component utilized is "Seachem Matrix Carbon" in a Fluval FX5. This too has been in operation for 90+1 days continuous.
I did add water to the system twice in these 90+1 days to ensure pumps did not cavitate. It is well water from my faucet.
I removed no water in 90+1 days.
I did not perform this experiment recklessly or hastily. I was willing to accept any and all consequences from my actions based on an educated awareness that no harm would come to my rays. he rays were observed almost 4 times daily for a period of 30 minutes each.
The male has been "chasing" the girls rather vigorously the past 3 weeks and no one lost their appetites or ever showed signs of listlessness.
These are my findings and nothing more.
Respectfully submitted,
FireMedic.