Need Some Help

[waterdrop]

Yes, the paper strip method, regardless of manufacturer, is worse than useless, its misleading and can cause serious errors in your process.

The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is the multitest version of the good liquid ammonia test you already have and is what most of us use and trust.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[betam4x]

Hi Guys, Just wanted to let you know my tank finished cycling. It happened REALLY fast (in under a week, it's been a couple weeks now and things seem to be fine). Now my next cause of concern is the fact that my PH is 8.0. I've heard that most fish can adapt to a high pH and that mucking with pH can be stressful to fish, but is 8.0 a bit too high? I've been researching various sites and those sites indicate that the PH is outside the comfort zone for both my cory and my tiger barb. Should i attempt to lower it or leave it as is? The fish seem to be hovering in the corner of the tank most of the time except when i put food in, then they go crazy and eat it all. Checked the water using the master test kit i ordered and everything was spot on. Nitrate slowly rising, everything else is 0.

 

[K-Holed]

Messing with pH is asking for a whole lot of trouble in my opinion. There is a world of difference between what fish is used to in the wild and what it has become acustomed to in captivity. Certain fish can be sensitive to the pH you provide them, but in most cases a stable pH is the most importent thing. Once you try ajusting your pH, unless you take measures to make sure it remains are the new level, you'll find it bouncing up and down and that is when problems start occuring. pH 8 is on the high side, but by no means off the scale.

If you're worried, draw a bucket full of water from your tap and leave it for 30 minutes. Test the pH of your water. If it is much lower than that of your aquarium, you may have rocks or substrate in your aquarium which are raising the pH.

 

[Amunet]

Leave it alone.. at least don't add in any over the counter junk that says it'll lower pH.
You COULD try to lower it naturally, like w/ a piece of driftwood. I'm not too sure how much or even what kind of wood would lower the pH some *shrugs* I'm sure someone would know that though.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Is there any way you can test your KH?

A lower KH, say 3,2 or 1, will make the pH more prone to changes.

So if your KH is lower like this and you add drift wood, drift wood can have an effect at lower pH, it could "naturally" lower the pH.

Try to test your KH first so we will get an idea where you are at.

-FHM

 

[betam4x]

Is there any way you can test your KH?

A lower KH, say 3,2 or 1, will make the pH more prone to changes.

So if your KH is lower like this and you add drift wood, drift wood can have an effect at lower pH, it could "naturally" lower the pH.

Try to test your KH first so we will get an idea where you are at.

-FHM

Unfortunately, KH is also through the roof. It's our tap water, it's horrendous.

 

[OldMan47]

With KH through the roof it will be very difficult for you to adjust the pH even with the strong acids that they use in those pH down products. If you had your water at 6.8 to 7.0 using only a pH buffer, chances are good that the water is not as high in KH as you think. How many drops of reagent does it take to get your color change on the KH kit? That will give us a clue of how high the KH of the water is and what can be done, if anything to control pH without lots of acid additions.