Ph too low

[Byron]

Nitrite <0.02
Nitrate 0.34
Hardness 19 grains /gallon
pH between 6.5 and 8.5

GH at 19 GPH equates to 324 ppm or 18 dGH. This is hard water (OK for guppies). The pH range is OK, though the 6.5 puzzles me, but neither would seem to be the issue.

Nitrate...do you really mean 0.34 or 34 without the 0 and decimal? If the former, and assuming this is in ppm, no problems here. So the 40 ppm nitrate is occurring within the aquarium. That needs to be addressed. Water changes once a week of 60-70% of the tank volume, cleaning into the substrate in open areas, and keeping the filter cleaned all help. Not overfeeding is important, and not overstocking. These can all increase nitrate, and it should never be above 20 ppm and preferably much lower.

 

[Guppyramid]

GH at 19 GPH equates to 324 ppm or 18 dGH. This is hard water (OK for guppies). The pH range is OK, though the 6.5 puzzles me, but neither would seem to be the issue.

Nitrate...do you really mean 0.34 or 34 without the 0 and decimal? If the former, and assuming this is in ppm, no problems here. So the 40 ppm nitrate is occurring within the aquarium. That needs to be addressed. Water changes once a week of 60-70% of the tank volume, cleaning into the substrate in open areas, and keeping the filter cleaned all help. Not overfeeding is important, and not overstocking. These can all increase nitrate, and it should never be above 20 ppm and preferably much lower.

It’s 0.34. My tank is actually pretty under stocked, and I did a pretty big water change last weekend. I feed 2 times a day, maybe a little bit too much, but surely not enough to bring nitrates up that high. How can I fix this now? Do the plants contribute to this in any way?

 

[Guppyramid]

Also, my fish are almost always just beneath the surface of the water if that makes a difference.

 

[Byron]

It’s 0.34. My tank is actually pretty under stocked, and I did a pretty big water change last weekend. I feed 2 times a day, maybe a little bit too much, but surely not enough to bring nitrates up that high. How can I fix this now? Do the plants contribute to this in any way?

OK, so the nitrate is occurring within the tank, and this you should be able to get under control. I mentioned factors previously, do the water changes, substrate cleaning (dig right into it except around plants), filter rinsing every water change. Feed once a day, no more, and miss one or two days each week. Only fry need more frequent feedings.

Plants can help lower nitrates, not because they necessarily use them, but because they use ammonia and they are faster than the bacteria at getting it. That means no nitrite, which means less nitrate in the end. Fast growing plants like surface floating plants are especially good, so get some if you don't have any already.

 

[Byron]

Also, my fish are almost always just beneath the surface of the water if that makes a difference.

Guppies do tend to be close to the surface, but I would have to see a video (or the tank) to be able to comment much beyond this. Fish hanging under the surface can be a sign of something in the water, or a disease. I saw the photos in the other thread and I am not going to guess becaue disease is a very complex issue and Ihave so little experience with it. But to be honest, if it were me, I would euthanize that guppy, I really cannot see it recovering no matter what. Other members will likely be able to offer more on that.

 

[Guppyramid]

OK, so the nitrate is occurring within the tank, and this you should be able to get under control. I mentioned factors previously, do the water changes, substrate cleaning (dig right into it except around plants), filter rinsing every water change. Feed once a day, no more, and miss one or two days each week. Only fry need more frequent feedings.

Plants can help lower nitrates, not because they necessarily use them, but because they use ammonia and they are faster than the bacteria at getting it. That means no nitrite, which means less nitrate in the end. Fast growing plants like surface floating plants are especially good, so get some if you don't have any already.

Thank you so much. I will try that. I will also try to get some floating plants. When plants first come from the pet store, is it possible they have bacteria or disease? I read somewhere they need to be kept in a separate tank for 3 weeks before getting added to the main tank. Is this true?

 

[Guppyramid]

Guppies do tend to be close to the surface, but I would have to see a video (or the tank) to be able to comment much beyond this. Fish hanging under the surface can be a sign of something in the water, or a disease. I saw the photos in the other thread and I am not going to guess becaue disease is a very complex issue and Ihave so little experience with it. But to be honest, if it were me, I would euthanize that guppy, I really cannot see it recovering no matter what. Other members will likely be able to offer more on that.

I will send a video of the main tank and I will look more into guppy euthanasia. Thank you

 

[Guppyramid]

It gave me an error when I tried to add a video, so I tried my best to take clear enough photos for the cause.

 

[Byron]

It is how the fish behave at the surface that would (should) be instructive, hence the video, as this doesn't show up in still photos. However, from the photos I am inclined to think there is an issue in the water. When I see anything remotely like this (more rapid than usual respiration, remaining close to or at the surface, lethargy) I do a major water change, 75-80% of the tank volume. Use only a conditioner. See how the fish respond immediately after and for the next hour or two. If they noticeably change behaviours, such as swimming more, moving down from the surface, in general just looking more active and alert, then it is a water issue.

We've been looking at water parameters (parameters being GH, pH, KH, temperature) and conditions (being ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc) and nothing stands out. Nitrate at 40 ppm is not good, but I would not expect so drastic a reaction so quickly, though it is possible I suppose.

Speaking of temperature, was that mentioned anywhere? If the water is too warm, it can cause this sort of reaction. And on respiration, since we don't have a video, does it seem fast, or laboured?