I honestly dont see what the big deal everyone is making out of the pH is. Cichla are naturally from acidic waters. Some of the areas are in the 4 and 5 pH range. Like someone here mentioned, stable pH should be more of your concern...I have cichla from 6.0 - 8.0pH without a problem...the main thing is consistency. Cichla do go through their stages in coloration due to water chemistry, habitat, stress, and just natural stages in growth. I suggest you provide some cover for the fish to make them feel more comfortable..and test your water routinely. If there is something fluctuating...your biggest concerns being ammonia, and temp...get it taken care of. If everything seems normal ,give them some time...and see how they do.
Color secrets for Peacock Bass
- Thread starter Perch Jerker
- Start date
You have a good point. It is my understanding also that when the pH drops to 6.0 and lower in an aquarium, some of the beneficial bacteria either start to die or reproduce at a significantly lower rate, which would thus effect ammonia and nitrite levels in the closed system. While pH stability is definately the key to prevent stress to fish, extremely low pH level may also effect the stability of ammonia and nitrite levels in the aquarium. If this was the case, it may be why the p-bass are not 100%. The pH may not be effecting them, but the resulting ammonia or nitrite levels may.
By all mean, please correct me if I'm wrong, as I am not an expert - but I remember reading about this somewhere - re: beneficial bacteria and pH, so I thought i'd share.
By all mean, please correct me if I'm wrong, as I am not an expert - but I remember reading about this somewhere - re: beneficial bacteria and pH, so I thought i'd share.
Superlaz;1166486; said:
Taboojen;1166840; said:You have a good point. It is my understanding also that when the pH drops to 6.0 and lower in an aquarium, some of the beneficial bacteria either start to die or reproduce at a significantly lower rate, which would thus effect ammonia and nitrite levels in the closed system. While pH stability is definately the key to prevent stress to fish, extremely low pH level may also effect the stability of ammonia and nitrite levels in the aquarium. If this was the case, it may be why the p-bass are not 100%. The pH may not be effecting them, but the resulting ammonia or nitrite levels may.
By all mean, please correct me if I'm wrong, as I am not an expert - but I remember reading about this somewhere - re: beneficial bacteria and pH, so I thought i'd share.
I think you are right.
I believe below pH 6.0 the bacteria shut down i.e stop reproducing and processing ammonia and nitrite.
However, below pH 7.2 most Ammonia is ionized to Ammonium and is far less toxic. So, if you then raise your pH above this level quickly, all of a sudden that unprocessed ammonium turns back to ammonia becoming much more toxic again!
