Harlequin Rasboras

[Fishstix]

I want to get some Harlequins. I read that you should put peat in the filter media since they prefer a low PH. My PH is about 7.8. Should i add peat or don't worry about it?

 

[Lenna]

I have harlequin rasboras and I don't use peat. My pH is 7.0 though, not sure if a little higher will make much difference. If that's the pH of your local water, then that's probably what they've been living in at your LFS so they should be fine. So long as the pH is pretty stable and you don't intend to breed them it should be okay.

 

[tstenback]

i would check with the LFS you intend to buy from and see what they keep their tanks at. If it is the same as yours or close then go for it. I have kept these guys in water right across the country (was in the military and moved alot) with ph from 6.0 to 8.2 and they did fine with no extra peat filtration. HTH

 

[jams.alaskan]

Mine is 8 and I've no trouble with them.

ALASKA

 

[Lateral Line]

They should be fine. Most farmed fish are more tolerant of water chemistry, the less tolerant ones die out and only those that are a bit tougher get to the shops. They won't breed sucessfully in hard alkali water though.

Unless you really need to, trying to change your pH is fraught with trouble and best left well alone unless you really understand your chemistry.

Nice fish, always been one of my favourites - a quiet elegence, peaceful, unassuming. I'm a big fan of Rasboras in general.