Fish Suitable For High Ph

[Matt_L]

I've recently set up a new tank and I'm researching what fish to get. My tap water pH is about 8.0 and the waters on the hard side, I don't know what the GH is as I haven't got a test kit for that, I'll pop down to my lfs tomorrow and get one.
Most fish, according to what I've read, such as tetras and a lot of the barbs seem to need water that is slightly soft with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. My tank is 120 cms long, quite heavily planted and about 200 litres. I want a community of various small fish and the only ones that I've found so far that like the higher pH and hardness are livebearers such as platies and swordtails. Much as I like these fish it would be nice to have a bit more of a choice.
Please could anyone recommend some fish that would be suitable.

 

[Bloo]

I wouldn't worry about a pH of 8 too much. Yes, it is on the high side, but then again many of us in London (UK) sit with a tap ph of anything up to 8.4 (depending on the water supplier and time of year).

Platies and Sword Tails, Mollies, Guppies and many others are absolutely fine if bought from a lfs in the area (as they will no doubt have a similar pH) - the only ones you might struggle with (I've found) are neons, cardinals and Rams - and hence do not keep them.

You could always add some bogwood to reduce your pH a bit - though this is a gradual process.

However, if you really want fish that thrive in that pH, you're looking at African Cichlids - but then you'll have to rip out all your plants - or they will do it for you

 

[pokagon55]

Most all fish will do just fine in any ph just as long as you acculate them right. Most wil not breed but they will do just fine other wise

 

[dwarfgourami]

My cories spawn enthusiastically in a ph of 8. 4. My neighbour's barbs look very healthy. Really, I think you are only looking at a few sensitive fish that will not thrive in high ph (cardinals, neons, rams, discus), and a few more that will not breed (more tetras in this group).