PH Levels

[QHowes]

I did a ph test for my 10 gallon tank today and it would appear that the ph level is VERY high. Do I have to change some of the water? Amonia test showed no levels of amonina..

 

[A.K.A Zak]

never do water changes to get the ph to go down. the best way is to get a couple milk jugs and fill them with water, over a week or so the ph will be perfect, then do a water change to add the jugs of water, that's what i do and works great every time, i also dechlorinate with prime drops. never had a problem, ever!

 

[Mamaschild]

I did a ph test for my 10 gallon tank today and it would appear that the ph level is VERY high.

What do you mean by very high? What is the Ph? Over 8 or 9? If it's up to 9, you got problems, but I doubt it is that high. If that's your tap water, and that's what they have been living in, don't worry about it. They have acclimated and should be fine, depending on how long you have had them. Are they showing signs of stress or disease? If not, you doing good.

Anyway, unless you made your tank water a higher Ph, then doing a water change will not change the Ph. It is what your tap water is.

Does that make sense Hope so

 

[QHowes]

The PH isnt too bad right now. I did a series of ph tests to factor a error on my behalf. I never cycled my tank either. I have a picher of water that i decided to boil and leave to drop to room temperature and now i am going to put that in my tank.

 

[sandyd]

Hi, I was wondering if you tested the ph of your tap water? My tap water ph is low, but all of my fish are doing very well in it. I would test your tap water and post the numbers, most fish will do fine in most ph. IMO I think the best ph for fish is stable ph, unless it is way too high, it is best to leave it alone, as adjusting your ph just makes it harder on the fish.
Sandy

 

[QHowes]

My PH Levels at first seemed dark blue which is 8 or 9. I rinsed my test tube and tested again and the ph levels were reasonably lower. I though they were probably just fine so I chenged about 1-1.5 litres of boiled water that was left covered till it was room temperature.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi QHowes

IMHO most ph tests kits are sold to hobbiests by lfs just so they can make a few dollars more. They are not necessary.

Ph is one of those things that are only really needed by advanced fishkeepers who have fish with specific ph requirements such as discus. They go to a great deal of trouble to maintain a ph that is not what their local water is. And it IS a lot of trouble. It cannot be controled by just adding a few drops of some preparation to the water.

Most fish that beginners would want ( such as guppies, platties, corys, gouramis etc.) will adjust to the ph of your water. As a general rule, it is better to select fish that will prosper in the water you have rather than trying to change the ph of the water.

 

[QHowes]

Thats is some great advice. Thanks again Inchworm!!