Low pH in tanks cause and solution?

ewurm

Aimara
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My tanks have a pH of 6.2-6.4 What is causing this and what can I do? I am testing tap water now for pH. Any insight would be helpful. Will update.
 

ewurm

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Also, I am planning to add a pair of Rams to this tank. What should parameters be?
 

Oddball

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Actually, your water is ideal for rams. However, if you want to raise your pH you can add aragonite and/or blocks of limestone to your setup. The aragonite usually lasts about 2 years before it'll need to be replaced with a new batch.
I found some info concerning rams that might help:

APISTOGRAMMA AND OTHER NEW WORLD DWARF CICHLIDS
These cichlid are a far cry from their counterparts in South America. Measuring no more than 4.5" (11.5cm), these cichlids have rightfully earned their title of New World Dwarf Cichlids. These fish can be found in small streamsand oxbow lakes throughout tropical South America.The largest group of Dwarf Cichlids are of the genus Apistogramma .More than 50 species make up this genus.Other fish included in the category of DwarfCichlids are Microgeophagus ( Papiliochromis) species.Many other genera are included in this group, although they are not included in this book.
SIZE: Dwarf Cichlids range in size from 1-4.5" (2.5-11.5 cm).
TANK : Most Dwarf Cichlids are content in a tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a capacity of 20 gallons (75 L), although some species requires more space. Since these cichlids often inhabit overgrown,rainforest streams and lakes, heavy vegetation should be included in the tank. Provide many hiding places with small"forests," rocks, roots, and wood; as many Dwarf Cichlids are shy. The lighting should be dim and thereshould be a partial cover of floating plants because these species frequently live in shaded areas. Thefilter should create little water disturbance.Leave open swimming areas and use a dark substrate.
WATER : Most Dwarf Cichlids inhabit soft acidic blackwater. The recommended values are as follows:a pH from 5.5-6.8, a water hardness from 0-8 dH, and a temperature from 75-84°F (24-29°C). Althoughsome species can tolerate wider variances, nearly all Dwarf Cichlids are sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Manyspecies prefer peat filtration.
SB : Dwarf Cichlids are, for the most part, shy and peaceful. Each fish will establish a favoritespot (cave, overturned flowerpot) and will defend it against other fish. Dwarf Cichlids can be combined with eachother and small schooling fish of the upper swimming levels.Most Apistogramma form harems, thus it is necessaryto keep one male with several females.
SC :Dwarf Cichlids can be combined with other small fish that can tolerate black water conditions. Small,schooling species of the upper swimming such as tetras, pencilfish, and hatchetfish are excellent companions. DwarfCichlids can also be combined with small catfish like Corydoras and Loricarids. However, around spawning times, catfishshould be removed as Apistogramma species have been observed picking out the eyes of the catfish in their efforts to protecttheir brood. Some aquariasts combine Dwarf Cichlids with Discus.
FOOD: Dwarf Cichlids require a varied diet including live foods in order to thrive. Livefoods such as Brine Shrimp, Cyclops, Daphnia, Bloodworms, mosquito larvae, Tubifex can be fed. Some species may accept flakes.
B : In most cases, soft acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5, dH 0-4) is needed for spawning. Makefrequent partial water changes and feed the fish a variety of live foods to bring them in to top condition. Theeggs are deposited on the underside of a rock or flowerpot.The eggs hatch in 2-5 days and the young arefree-swimming 4-6 days later.The female will guard the young and parade them around the tank. The delicate fry can be raised on small Daphnia, Artemia nauplii, and roftiers.
BP: 8.Dwarf Cichlids are challenging to breed.
R : Dwarf Cichlids are highly sensitive to water pollutants and medications. Itis important to make frequent partial water changes as a result of their sensitivity. Many of these species have wide distribution,thus many color morphs are known.Occasionally males will assume the coloring of females so as not to be considered as rivalsover territory.These males are then able to mate with the females of another male's harem when he is notpresent.
DC: 6.Many of these species are delicate and require live foods. Dwarf Cichlids are not recommended for beginners.

Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid[Pictures]
Apistogramma agassizi
SYN: Biotodomaagassizi, Geophagus agassizi, Mesops agassizi
PD : An elongated with moderately compressed sides. In males, the caudal fin is highly elongatedand comes to a point.In females, the caudal fin is rounded.Several different color variations exist mostlydepending on if the fish was wild-caught or its geographical population. Males are much more colorful. Theupper back is red, while the forehead is yellow.Below these areas, the back is green which parallels a wide, horizontal,black band that extends from the tip of the snout, back through the eye, and to the tip of the caudal fin. Thelower parts, just below this band, can range in color from gold to green to blue. The belly is usually yellow. Theface is usually marked with green or gold markings.The dorsal fin is a fire orange-red color that comes to a sharp point. Theother fins are often blue to green.On the caudal fin a white to blue set of lines come to a point nearthe end of the fin.A black stripe extends from the eye, down to the corner of the gill cover. Femaledo not have the elongated fins or colors of the male.They are usually yellow in color with similar markings.
SIZE: Males to 3.5" (9 cm), females only reach 2.4" (6 cm)
SS: None
HAB : Inhabits shallow areas of blackwater ponds and slow-moving water with a substrateof decaying leaf litter.South America; found in the tributaries of the Amazon in Bolivia and Brazil.
S: bottom, middle
TANK : A 24" (61 cm) tanks with a capacity of 20 gallons (75 L) is sufficient for a smallgroup. A more preferable size would be a 32" (81 cm) tank with a volume of 30 gallons (114 L). Ineither case, the tank should be arranged with a dark gravel bottom. Use lots of plants to serve as shelteralong with rocky caves, roots, and pieces of wood.The filter should be efficient as this species requires clean, nitrate-freewater. Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid thrives in peat filtered water. Provide a good source of oxygen.
WATER: pH 5-7 (6.4), 2-10 dH (6), 73-81°F (23-27°C)
SB : A peaceful, but territorial species that will not harm plants. A male forms a harem and as a result,should be kept in a ration of one male to every three or four females. Males defend a large territory in whichseveral females may guard their own brood.
SC: Corydoras, tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Loricarids.
FOOD: Live; crustaceans, insects, insect larvae; flakes; pellets; tablets; finely choppedmeat.
SEX: Males are far more colorful and considerably larger than females. The males fins are also more elongate.
B : The water should have a pH from 6.0-6.5, a water hardness from 5-8 dH, and a temperaturefrom 79-84°F (26-29°C).Frequent partial water changes should be made. A single male will defend a large territorycontaining several females.He will court each female and mate with them. The female will lay up to 150 eggs ina previously cleaned cave or over-turned flower pot.The eggs will be carefully guarded by the female. They hatch in three to four days. Thefry are lead into a shallow pit and are free-swimming four to six days later. The young can be first fed with roftiersand liquid foods, and later with Artemia nauplii.The female attracts the young by her movements.
BP: 8.Breeding Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is difficult and the eggs are sensitive to fungus.
R : A fish highly sensitive to the build-up of toxic compounds and medications. Differentcolor variations including red, gold, and blue are available.Wild-caught specimen are even more delicate,but more colorful than tank-bred fish.This species requires frequent partial water changes in order to prosper.
DC: 7.A delicate species which is difficult to care for.

Yellow Dwarf Cichlid[Pictures]
Apistogramma borellii
SYN: Apistogrammareitzigi, A. ritense, A. aequipinnis, Heterogrammas borellii
PD : A laterally compressed cichlid that has a stockier, less elongated body than A. agassizi. Thecaudal fin is fan-shaped with in the male, the dorsal and anal fins meet at a point. The head and the area just behind thegill cover are golden-yellow.The belly and the very top of the back may also be golden-yellow in color. Themiddle area of the body is pale blue as are the dorsal, pelvic, and front parts of the anal fins. The dorsal and pelvic fins are gold-tipped. Thecaudal fin and most of the anal finis golden-yellow.Often a red area develops on the caudal penuncle. Whena fish is excited, several transverse marking develop on the sides of the fish. A short, black stripe extend throughthe eye and to the snout.
SIZE: Males to 2.8" (7 cm), female to 2" (5 cm)
SS: None
HAB: Found in shallow swampy regions along rivers. South America; the Rio Paraguay andthe Pantanal (Matto Grosso).
S: bottom, middle
TANK: A tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a volume of 20 gallons (75 L) will do. Followthe recommendations under A.agassizi.
WATER: pH 5-7 (6.5), 1-10 dH (4), 77-81°F (25-27°C).
SB: A peaceful, although territorial fish that can be combined with other Apistogramma species, catfish, and small characins of the upper swimming levels. Keep one male with several females. Thisspecies will not harm plants.
SC: Corydoras, tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Loricarids, Apistogramma.
FOOD: Live; crustaceans, insects, insect larvae; flakes; pellets; tablets; finely choppedmeat.
SEX: Males are more colorful, larger, and have elongated anal and dorsal fins.
B: Follow suggestions for A. agassizi. Fewer eggs (40-70) are laid than A. agassizi .The fry are carefully paraded around the tank. In cases where the eggs fail to hatch,the female is said to collect a shoal of Daphnia to protect as if they were her own brood.
BP: 8. A. borellii is a difficult fish to breed.
R :This species is sensitive to medications, disease, and poorly maintained water. Makefrequent partial water changes.Recently this fish has begun being bred in Singapore for export.
DC: 7.A delicate species that is only recommended for those aquariasts wanting a challenge.

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid[Pictures]
Apistogramma cacatuoides
SYN: Apistogrammamarmoratus, A. U-2
PD : Males have highly developed fins.The dorsal fin's first three to five rays areelongated and stand out among the others.The dorsal tip comes to a sharp, elongated point. The caudal fin is forked and the analfin's tip comes to a point.Females, by contrast, have less elaborate fins. The male's coloring depends on its population,and thus can be varied.The most common variety has a brown to gray body coloring. The belly is golden-brown as are theanal, pelvic, and dorsal fins.The anal fin is edged with a blue-green fringe, as are the pelvic fins. The pointed dorsal rays are tipped withorange, that become green before reaching the main part of the fin, which is gold. The body is marked with one lateralstripe that extends from the eye to the caudal fin.Below this stripe are three shorter lines. Depending on the mood of the fish, fiveto seven broad bands are visible on the upper back.The eye is marked with a stripe that extends down to the corner ofthe gill cover.The tail green with a series of red spots on the upper lobe. Females are much drabber in color.
SIZE: Males to 3.5" (9 cm), females to 2" (5 cm)
SS: Banded Dwarf Cichlid ( A. bitaeniata)
HAB : Shallow, still to slow-moving bodies of water with leaf litter as a substrate. Thisspecies inhabits clear and white water bodies of water.South America; Yavari River along the border of Brazil and Peru.
S: bottom
TANK : The tank should measure around 32" (81 cm) with a capacity of 30 gallons (114 L). Usea cover of floating plants to diffuse the lighting.The substrate should be dark. The tank should be heavily planted withmany hiding areas among rocks, wood, and roots.Cover the tank well.
WATER: pH 6.2-7.7 (6.7), 5-16 dH (10), 75-81°F (24-27°C)
SB: A territorial fish that can be combined with other Apistogramma species, catfish, and schoolingfish of the upper swimming levels.Males form harems, thus one male should be kept with several females. Malesare pugnacious during the spawning season and may attack other fish in the tank-including the females.
SC: Corydoras, tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Loricarids, Apistogramma.
FOOD: Live; crustaceans, insects, insect larvae; flakes; pellets; tablets; finely choppedmeat.
SEX: Males develop the characteristic 'peacock' crest, are larger and more colorful. Themale's caudal fin is forked.
B : Use water with a pH from 6.8-7.2, a water hardness of 10 dH, and a temperature 79-84°F(26-29°C).Each female should be provided with a cave or over-turned flower pot to defend. Thefemales lay up to 100 eggs on the ceiling of the site.The female guards the eggs, while the male guards the harem territory. Theeggs hatch after three to four days.Start feeding with roftiers, after a week or two, the fry can be fedwith nauplii. As the fry grow, they may change from one mother to another.
BP: 7.Breeding is fairly difficult.
R : The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid requires frequent partial water changes in order to prosper. Severaldifferent color variations have been exported including a popular red-spotted form. Well-maintained water leads to the beautifulcolors that this fish is known to develop.
DC: 5.The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is among the hardiest of all Apistogramma species.

Blue Apistogramma, Three-Stripe Dwarf Cichlid[Pictures]
Apistogramma trifasciata
SYN: Apistogrammatrifasciatum, Biotodoma trifasciatum, Heterogramma trifasciatum
PD : An elongated fish with its first rays being very similar to those of the Cockatoo DwarfCichlid. These rays are pointed and usually tipped with red. The red tips actually continue on allthe rays. The rest of the dorsal fin is dark violet in color. The caudal fin is rounded and has ared tinge. The anal fin is violet-red, while the pelvic fins in white and elongated. The body is whitish-yellow in colorand marked with three lateral stripes.The first runs along the base of the dorsal fin; the second runs fromthe snout, through the eye, and to the caudal fin; the third runs near the belly.
SIZE: Males to 2.3" (6 cm), females to 1.5" (4 cm)
SS: None
HAB: Inhabits black water lagoons and ponds along that have leafy bottom. South America; Southwestern Brazil inthe headwaters of the Paraguay and the Guapore Rivers.
S: bottom
TANK : A tank measuring 32" (81 cm) with a capacity of 30 gallons (114 L) is fine for aharem of fish.Be sure to provide a cave or flower pot for each female. Follow suggestions for A. borellii .
WATER: pH 5-7.2 (6.5), 0-12 dH (3), 79-84°F (26-29°F)
SB : A territorial fish that should be kept in a ratio of three to four female to everyone male. This species is peaceful, outside of the spawning season, towards other fishes. Males form harems.
SC: Corydoras, tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Loricarids.
FOOD: Live; crustaceans, insects, insect larvae; finely chopped meat; possibly flakes.
SEX: Males are larger, more colorful, and have more elaborate fins. While caring for the brood the femalemay develop a bright yellow body color.
B : Use water with a pH from 6.0-6.5, a water hardness of 1-4 dH, and a temperature from82-86°F (28-30°C).Follow suggestions for other Apistogramma species. The female lays up to 100 eggs whichare very carefully cared for.The fry will be guarded for several weeks after they are free-swimming. Females may steal other female's broods. Occasionally,females may round up groups of Daphnia to care for, when they have lost or failed to produce a brood. Start feeding with Artemia nauplii.
BP: 7.A moderately difficult fish to breed.
R: Perform only partial water changes as this species is sensitive to changes in waterconditions.
DC: 6.A fish that requires live foods in its diet.

Ram, Butterfly Cichlid, Ramirez' Dwarf Cichlid, Venezuelan Ram, Butterfly Dwarf Cichlid [Pictures]
Microgeophagus (Papiliochromis) ramirezi
SYN: Apistogrammaramirezi, Microgeopha ramirezi
PD : A moderately elongated fish with a long caudal penuncle. The dorsal fins stands tall and thecaudal fin is fan-shaped.The head and throat region is pale yellow. The belly is delicate pink, and therest of the body is blue.The iris of the eye is blood-red with a black stripe running through it. This stripe begins at the forehead andends at the underside of the head.The first rays of the dorsal fin are taller than the other rays. Theseare black in color.Just below the black rays is a pale black spot. On the mid-section is an obvious blackspot. The pelvic fin is orange-red (female) or black and blue (male) in color. The anal fins are blue with a pink tingenear the tip. The caudal fin is blue with red along the edges.The dorsal fin may have a red edge.
SIZE: To 3.5" (9 cm)
SS: Bolivian Ram ( Microgeophagusaltispinosa), which reaches 4" (10 cm)
HAB: In sunny swamps, lagoons, and brooks in the savannas of the Orinoco River. SouthAmerica; Venezuela and Columbia
S: bottom, middle
TANK : A 20" (51 cm) tank with a capacity of 10 gallons (39 L). Provide hiding places with plant thickets,roots, wood, rocks, and over-turned flower pots.Leave open swimming areas. A cover of floating plants to diffusethe lighting is welcomed.
WATER: pH 5-7 (6.5), dH 0-10 (3), 73-86°F (23-30°C).
SB : A peaceful, timid fish that can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressivefish. Do not combine the Ram with aggressive cichlid species for they will disturb this fish. Pairsform monogamous bonds.
SC: tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Discus, Apistogramma, Corydoras, Loricarids.
FOOD: Live; Artemia, bloodworms, glassworms, small insects, insect larvae, Tubifex; pellets; occasionally flakes.
SEX: Females are slightly smaller and develop a pink underside during the spawning season. Thefirst ray of the male's dorsal fin is considerably longer.
B :Increase water temperature to 84-88°F (29-31°C). The water should have a pH from 6.5-6.8,and a soft hardness of 1-3 dH.The female spawns on wood or stones, or in small cavities. A good brood has 250-300 eggs, althoughclutches up to 400 have been reported.Both parents guard the eggs, which hatch in 2-3 days. The fry are very small and difficultto care for. They are free-swimming after 5-6 days, when they should be fed liquid foods, roftiers, microworms,and later Artemia
BP: 7.Breeding the Ram is fairly difficult, and the fry are challenging to raise.
R: The correct genus of the Ram has yet to be determined. The Ram and the closely related, Bolivia nRam are now usually commercially tank bred in Southeast Asia.Two variations from selective breeding of theRam are widely available; a gold (xanthistic) morph, and a veintail variety. Frequent partial water changes are necessaryfor this colorful cichlid to prosper.Always use a good water conditioner after a water change. TheRam is a short-lived fish, usually not living more than 2-3 years even under the best circumstances. Wild-caughtfish are larger, and more colorful than the more commonly available tank-bred specimen. The ram is very sensitive to changesin water chemistry, disease, and medications.
DC: 6.The ram is a delicate, fish, sensitive to pollutants, chemicals, and disease. However,its beauty is rewarding.
 

rallysman

Polypterus
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Aug 7, 2005
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oddball........you're the effin man.
 

ewurm

Aimara
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Jan 27, 2006
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Now thats a post. Upon your return their will be an ice cream waiting.
 

Oddball

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DeLgAdO said:
please tell me you copied and pasted that :eek:
Downloaded the german text, ran it through babelfish to translate it, then corrected the text babelfish got wrong. All in all, I only spent about a half hour on it.
 

guppy

Small Squiggly Thing
Apr 15, 2005
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confused, lost, and lonely
Oddball, great post!
Ewurm, the ph you are at is great for many SA fish.
I do suggest you check the ph of your tap water and compare it to your tank. If the difference is more than 0.2 lower or higher in your tank than your tap you should figure out why. Possible causes are limestone and calcium based decorations or substrate if the ph is higher in the tank and acidic wood or detritus deposits if it is lower, one place sometimes missed is accumulated sludge coating the inside of the filter casing.
Right now your tank is perfect for apistos, SA knifefish, angels, piranha, most characins, etc.
 

ewurm

Aimara
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Jan 27, 2006
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Tap pH is almost 7.6
 
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