High Ph

[Watersprite]

Hi all,

Hoping someone can advise me. In the process of cycling my tank (fishless cycle) all going well, I think. Tank is 125litres. Have tested pH several times and it is 8.5, tested tap water and it is the same. I have got two pieces of bogwood in the tank as read that it can help. I've read that peat moss in the filter can reduce pH. Can you put it in whilst you are cycling the tank and does it matter exactly where in the filter media you put it? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Underwurlde]

pH will be up & down like the Asyrian Empire during cycling. I wouldn't worry about it....

 

[Watersprite]

Thanks, I will just have to be patient. Was just concerned because my tap water is pH8.5 as well.

 

[fishlette]

Thanks, I will just have to be patient. Was just concerned because my tap water is pH8.5 as well.

this is a good point. if the tap water is at 8.5 then the pH is going to be an issue constantly.

maybe some more wood? cant think of anything else (tis early in da mornin )

 

[Underwurlde]

How are you testing BTW?

Andy

 

[WILDER]

The ph will be all over the place in a cycling tank.
What your tap ph.
Sorry you had said 8.5 from the tap.
Ways of lowing ph is bogwood, or peat in the filter, but the only thing is you can never do large water changes with the tap water be different.

 

[piratedninja]

the high ph should be fine but just make sure you dont let the amonia spike with fish in the tank, because ammonia is much more dangerous at higher PH levels

 

[Watersprite]

How are you testing BTW?

Andy

I'm using Interpet 'easy test liquid master test kit' for all the water tests. Is this a good one?

 

[fishbone]

I have a high PH as well and it doesn't seem to affect the fish any. As long as you acclimatise them properly before adding them to the tank you should be fine. AND obviously choose fish that aren't fussy about the ph levels!

 

[rdd1952]

With the pH you have, you should consider some smaller cichlids as they love the alkaline water. Although driftwood and peat lower pH, they won't have much of an effect on your tank as I'm sure your KH is high and will keep the pH very stable. And as mentioned, be careful in acclimating the fish you get as they will most likely be coming from water that has a much lower pH.

 

[Watersprite]

With the pH you have, you should consider some smaller cichlids as they love the alkaline water. Although driftwood and peat lower pH, they won't have much of an effect on your tank as I'm sure your KH is high and will keep the pH very stable. And as mentioned, be careful in acclimating the fish you get as they will most likely be coming from water that has a much lower pH.

Thanks for advice. I would like to have a community tank, any advice on suitable small cichlids for community tanks as I keep reading that a lot of them would like to be with their own kind. No fish at present as still cycling. Not sure yet what fish to get, still researching (would like some bronze cory's if they will tolerate my pH), any suggestions welcome.

Thanks

 

[rdd1952]

The bronze corys would would maybe be ok in your water. Most corys prefer slightly acidic water but bronze can handle a little higher pH than most. I'm not really sure about the cichlids. Most aren't good in community tanks as they are territorial.