My tank levels are high
- Thread starter Snakeheadred
- Start date
What is the pH of the tap water?
I don't see pH of 8.2 as problematic, or unsafe, its just what it is, and will determine what type fish to keep..
in nature Lake Michigan next to where I used to live pH averages 8.4, so my tap water reflected that reading.
Lake Gatun in Panama near where I live now, pH can be as high as 9, my tap water reflects that and averages around 8.2 after treatment.
The rift lakes of Africa, between 8 and 9, so are many natural bodies of water in Mexico.
If the natural pH of the OPs tap water is 8 or above, the fish kept should come from high pH waters.
Fish from naturally low pH waters should be avoided.
Here are some examples of catch location water parameters.
Now the nitrate is a different story, most natural water have aero to low nitrate, but this is easily dealt with, with water changes.
I don't see pH of 8.2 as problematic, or unsafe, its just what it is, and will determine what type fish to keep..
in nature Lake Michigan next to where I used to live pH averages 8.4, so my tap water reflected that reading.
Lake Gatun in Panama near where I live now, pH can be as high as 9, my tap water reflects that and averages around 8.2 after treatment.
The rift lakes of Africa, between 8 and 9, so are many natural bodies of water in Mexico.
If the natural pH of the OPs tap water is 8 or above, the fish kept should come from high pH waters.
Fish from naturally low pH waters should be avoided.
Here are some examples of catch location water parameters.
Now the nitrate is a different story, most natural water have aero to low nitrate, but this is easily dealt with, with water changes.
As a follow up about pH and types of fish, in general.
Rainbowfish are from high pH water, Bosemanni come from lakes in Papua with pH of 8-9.
Severum cichlids and cardinal and other Amazonian tetras cichlids are from soft, low pH water 5-6, if I had the ops water, I'd avoid them.
Any rift lake cichlid, or most cichlids and live bearers from Central America and Mexico wild be perfect in 8.2 pH water.
Certain black water, soft water fish from Asia like chocolate gouramis would probably not do well on 8.2 pH.
Matching the fish, to the water we are dealt with, can determine success or failure keeping fish
Rainbowfish are from high pH water, Bosemanni come from lakes in Papua with pH of 8-9.
Severum cichlids and cardinal and other Amazonian tetras cichlids are from soft, low pH water 5-6, if I had the ops water, I'd avoid them.
Any rift lake cichlid, or most cichlids and live bearers from Central America and Mexico wild be perfect in 8.2 pH water.
Certain black water, soft water fish from Asia like chocolate gouramis would probably not do well on 8.2 pH.
Matching the fish, to the water we are dealt with, can determine success or failure keeping fish
What are your parameters?? Post them on here so we can help. By saying levels are high tells us nothing.
+1, ph consistancy is key!
Angels from Florida (7ish ph) dead in about 48hrs here. Angels from local breeders (8.2-8.4ph) no issues ever!
Hardness at 60 nitrates are not to bad pH is 8.2 they the highest IV just cleaned out sum crap of the bottom an pulled out few rottin plants
We are looking for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate numbers so if you can post those it would be helpful. What test kit are you using?
