My ph levels

[blazer666_uk]

I have 20 gal tank currently running for 4 weeks and has cycled. I have 2 mollys and 1 ghost shrimp.

am 0
n2 0
n3 10ppm dropping from 30 2 day's ago.

when I first filled my tank my tap water was a ph of 7.4. Seeing as my tank cycled I thought I'd just check the ph level. To my surprise it gave a reading of 8.5, I double checked this still 8.5. Any ideas why the big change, should I get some ph down as if I do a water change, surely the big difference between my tap water and the tank water will stress my fishes?

I would like the ph level to be 7 as I want a community tank.

 

[sylvia]

Have you tested your tap water? Are you sure your tests are correct (either then or now)? Do some water changes gradualy, to lower pH but not too suddenly, if you find your tap's pH is lower. Also try to figure out what's causing the drop - your gravel or decorative rocks may be the culprit - leaching minerals that cause a rise in pH. You'll need to remove and replace these if you don't want constant fluctuations and want a more stable pH. Always change your tank's water regularly as water quality can quickly deteriorate (just a side note ). Most fish will adapt to any reasonable pH provided it's stable.

 

[freddyk]

Also keep in mind that ph out of the tap is generally an inaccurate reading. Once the water is aerated through the filters the ph will usually change, and the dissipation of co2 in the water raises it.

 

[blazer666_uk]

So should I use ph down or a ph buffer? to combat my high ph levels. If not, what fish can I get? (I only want small fishes, no bigger than 4")

TIA

 

[gale]

So should I use ph down or a ph buffer? to combat my high ph levels. If not, what fish can I get? (I only want small fishes, no bigger than 4")

TIA

PH buffers will only work temporarily-usually your ph will bounce back up. As long as you acclimate your fish and your ph stays steady they should be ok-it's the fluctuations that will bother them. Plus ask your lfs what their ph is. If it's close then the fish are already used to that ph. Some fish do prefer a lower ph though, so be sure to check. My ph is very high (over 8.5) but so far none of my fish seem to mind.

eta: also avoid anything that will raise ph like certain gravels, etc. You can put some driftwood in your tank to naturally lower the ph a little, but it has a limited effect. And/or you can filter the water through peat to lower it a little but it might turn your water brown. (as will the driftwood, possibly)

 

[freddyk]

Unfortunately driftwood and peat will have a very limited effect on that water, but fortunately most common fish are not picky, and will readily adapt to your PH. If you have any plans on breeding then you will need to lower it, and the only reliable to do this is to use RO water and then treat it yourself to reach desired levels.

 

[blazer666_uk]

How do I know about what gravels to miss? I currently have "moonstone" gravel with a plastic cave in the tank.

If I have to change the gravel then how do I do this without starting the cycle process again?

So you wouldnt recommend using PH down then?

I know my water has very high KH and General Hardness.

 

[freddyk]

With PH down you'll end up having it bounce up and down. No ph level is worse then an unstable one.

Avoid crushed coral, aaragonite, and crushed limestone and you'll be fine with the substrate you choose.

If you are running a decent filter it will hold enough bacteria to make the change safe - don't clean it for a couple of weeks before and after doing the change, so that it's in top form.

 

[csr mel]

i us phosporuc acid to lower ph.

mine use to be around 8.4 but after a few squirts of some tile cleaner which has phosphoruc acid its down to 7.4.

the fish dont seem to care

 

[gale]

i us phosporuc acid to lower ph.

mine use to be around 8.4 but after a few squirts of some tile cleaner which has phosphoruc acid its down to 7.4.

the fish dont seem to care

Yikes!!

 

[blazer666_uk]

Yikes indeed !


Better off using ph down.

I'll leave it at 8.5 my mollys are happy. Just got some guppies today and another molly(feamale) to keep the other 2 males happy, although one of my male mollys will not leave the feamale alone!!!!!

 

[csr mel]

the acid is an accepted way to lower ph. i dont understand what the uncertainty is for?

 

[gale]

the acid is an accepted way to lower ph. i dont understand what the uncertainty is for?

Does the tile cleaner contain *only* the acid? Either way, I would prefer to avoid anything that isn't for fishtanks.

 

[csr mel]

it contains acid dilluted in water.


thats what most cleanrs are, just a litle bit of chemical in 95% water.