PH and Alkallinity

[Blazer]

I nevr really looked at this stuff and my fish has always lived fine but I have herd people on this forum talking about it an awful lot and I had a female sword tail die this morning so I figured I'd better check it and share the results and ask if they are about right.I used a Pool & Spa Test Strip. You dip the strip take it out let it sit in the air then it turns colors and is has a scale! Well for my Chlorine I have none!! wow I hope I dont have any. For my pH I have between 6.8 and 7.2, which sounds about right to me? but im not knowledgable on this stuff. For my Alkalinity I have 0, know I have no clue what that stuff is so I dont know what im looking for? Now I know you are going to ask what type fish and tank I ahve and it is all in my sig....down below this message. Please Help!!

~Dan

 

[FrankSlapperinni]

I don't believe having an Alkalinity of 0 is possible. I think you should buy some test strips made for aquarium use specifically. Alkalinity is a measure of how well water can retain it's pH value. If your tank has a low alkalinity, the pH will fluctuate, and usually drop off into the acidic range (under 7). Usually alkalinity ties in with pH. If you have water with high pH you will most likely have a high alkalinity, and vise versa. Although your water can be acidic and have a high alkalinity, it isn't too common.

 

[Blazer]

Ok thanks im going to try it here one more time If I get same results I will see about going and getting some Tank strips....Thanks Again!

~dan

 

[Blazer]

same results....ill have to get me some Aquarium strips....and replacing my Female sword tail...

she didnt look very healthy though when I got her and I was kind of worried. but I jsut got her so it will be Free...

~Dan

 

[love fishies]

I would recommend the test kits that have test tubes and bottles to test Ph, nitrite,ammonia,Kh and Gh (which I don't think yoiu need but for some fish I guess you do). The test strips, in my opinion are not as accurate, easier to use but I don't like them myself. You have to look at both types of testing kits and decide for yourself which one you would prefer. Good Luck