Lfs Says Ph Is Not Important

[stackem evs]

Just been in lfs looking at fish which would be good for our ph (7.6), staff there say as long as Amonia and Nitrite are at zero, ph is not important.
Would people agree?

 

[davidwhite136]

in the same boat as you but cant get my nitrite down still 0.4

 

[aaronc]

This is half right.

Most tropicals can acclimatise to slightly different PHs than they are meant for. The issue comes when the PH fluctuates, this is bad for the fish and will cause distress and all that comes with it. So in essence a conistent PH is more important that the acutal PH

Hope this helps
Aaron

 

[bobbicus]

think many fish breeders or fish suppliers - breed fish in "general" conditions like having a ph of 7.6 whereas angels are supposed to like acidic conditions!!

pH can affect the GH and KH of the water but - oly really need a specific pH if a fish' circumstances requires it

but sudden peaks or troughs in the pH is far worse as and increase of 1.0 is equal to it being 10 times more or less acidic.......(if that makes sense)

rob

 

[mark.w.jones]

True. Ideally you will buy a community of fish who all prefer a similar pH. They will certainly thrive better and have a better chance of breeding in a pH that closely matches their natural habitat. However, most store bought fish have never seen a "natural" habitat and will live quite happily in less than ideal pH. Just don't expect identical colouring and behaviour as they would exhibit in the wild.

 

[Underwurlde]

Also, when considering the Ammonia / Ammonium balance, a higher percentage of this balance will be Toxic Ammonia at higher levels of pH - to this end, those with higher pH should keep a VERY close eye on levels of 'Ammonia'

Andy

 

[dwarfgourami]

also, this works for MOST of the fish you'll see in the lfs, but not for absolutely every species. African lake cichlids and Central American livebearers still need hard alkaline water, and certain tetras, certain tetras and rasboras need it soft and acid. But the vast majority of commonly sold fish are very adaptable as long as they are acclimatised carefully and conditions stay stable.

 

[Glod]

think many fish breeders or fish suppliers - breed fish in "general" conditions like having a ph of 7.6 whereas angels are supposed to like acidic conditions!!

pH can affect the GH and KH of the water but - oly really need a specific pH if a fish' circumstances requires it

but sudden peaks or troughs in the pH is far worse as and increase of 0.1 is equal to it being 10 times more or less acidic.......(if that makes sense)

rob

Minor correction - 1 point of PH change is 10 times as acidic or alkiline not 0.1. GH and KH will affect how easily your PH will fluctuate, if your water is very soft it doesn't take much to make the PH swing.

Generally most fish will adjust to any moderate PH as long as that PH is stable. Stability is key, that's why most people are advised not to mess with PH adjustment chemicals. Research the fish you like to find which ph ranges they are happy in.

 

[Dave Spencer]

increase of 0.1 is equal to it being 10 times more or less acidic.......(if that makes sense)

rob

Is it not an increase of 1 that makes it ten times more alkaline?