Ph Level?

[GUB]

Having received my API master test kit this morning, I was eager to see what my pH was in my new setup (can you tell I am a first timer? lol) and duly followed the instructions. It seems that my pH is 8.2 – is that rather high and should it influence my choice of fish? (I am waiting to start fishless cycling and therefore the tank is empty at the moment). Also I am hoping to put in some rock, bogwood and fake plants – will any of these have an effect on pH?

 

[Dude]

Having received my API master test kit this morning, I was eager to see what my pH was in my new setup (can you tell I am a first timer? lol) and duly followed the instructions. It seems that my pH is 8.2 – is that rather high and should it influence my choice of fish? (I am waiting to start fishless cycling and therefore the tank is empty at the moment). Also I am hoping to put in some rock, bogwood and fake plants – will any of these have an effect on pH?

i dono about rocks and fake plants

but bogwood is roomered to lower ph

but dont expect it to do all your work

i reccomend ph tablets or somthing simmular

 

[Bloo]

Where do you live (out of interest) - that pH is not unusual in most of London and other parts of the UK.
I suggest you also test your tap water after standing 24 hours - that sometimes alters the results and you get a more accurate reading

 

[GUB]

I live in the East Midlands. I set the tank up last weekend, washed it out (no chemicals), washed the gravel and set up the filter (and added an air pump) and dechlorinated the water. So its been in there already for 5 days.

Any recommendations on a pH lowering additive? Are they that effective or should I just look at fish that can live with that pH level?

 

[Bloo]

Some bogwood will help - but it's a slow process. I wouldn't go anywhere near chemicals (for many reasons). But the good news is that most general community fish quite happily ajust to such a pH.
Have you thought about what fish you'd like to keep ?

Obviously ones to steer clear from (that I haven't had success with in a high pH and water hardness) are neons, cardinals and Rams.

 

[George Farmer]

High pH is a result of your hard tap water (high Carbonate hardness or KH). It is nothing to worry about.

I would advise not adding any pH altering additives. These either contain high phosphates (the buffering type) or acids ( pH lowering). Messing with water chemistry is only for the experienced IMO.

Most community fish you buy from a local shop will be already acclimatised to your pH levels. Just ask the assistant for confirmation.

 

[Kombat]

Most community fish you buy from a local shop will be already acclimatised to your pH levels. Just ask the assistant for confirmation.

This is true. I was visiting a local cichlid shop a couple weeks ago. The owner has a community tank in his store with some rams and discus along with other community tropical fish. I asked how he got the pH low for the rams and discus and he said it's at 7.4 and he doesn't touch it at all.

Karl