EXTREME Stingray concern!

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DSM_Zak

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 22, 2010
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Mill Creek, WA
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So after a couple of days I've noticed my Rectic acting strange. I just did a weekly 40% water change, monthly new carbon, rinsed off all the decor, and rinsed out the floss filter media. Shortly after, I tested the pH level, and noticed it off the charts like 8.0 plus. So I immediatly added pH downer, to 6.5 and he kind of shot around the tank, right after I put the product int he tank as if it bothered him. I let him be. Yesterday I noticed him swimming by the power filters and over the artificial coral. Swiming back and forth in one spot over the water flow and bubbles. He is barely resting, and isnt resting ont he bottom as much, eating as much, but still looks physically healthy. I feed him a lot (he does eat a lot).

I'm wondering what this could be, I thought maybe he was constipated, but I noticed a nice good string of poop on him yesterday so I know its flowing.

Water temp is 80
pH: 6.5
No ammonia
Nitrates about 10ppm

I also did a 30% water change again yesterday thinking there was too much pH downer bothering him.

I can also post a video if needed.
 
I don't know how to solve your problem, but uh you never really want to mess with your pH levels.... A pH drop from 8 to 6.5 is probably has pissed your ray off, any sudden change in pH is very harmful. There's nothing really wrong with 8 in the first place- you can keep most any fish in any reasonable pH level if acclimated properly.
 
on my chart, it shows 7.6 and its like ocean blue, the test tube showed a solid blue, almost dark blue, I wasnt sure if that was OK or not. Its usually around 7.0 or so. Should I raise the pH? Or leave it alone. I notice as he takes a small break on the sand, his rear part of his disk is a slight curl up, then go flat on the bottom again, I really hope this is not the dreaded curl.
 
What is your pH normally? Your pH will drift naturally and as mentioned a 8 is not that bad. My rays are in 7.6 pH water. The higher the pH the stronger ammonia is so good filtration is a must. That pH downer you used is most likely a mild sulfuric acid which is heavier than water. If you put a big squirt in then it probably sank to the bottom and irritated your ray.
 
Do another water change but leave the pH down out of the mix. I would advice to not use it at all.
 
adivce taken, I will do another change.

the pH downer is "Proper pH 6.5" its a powder like baking soda.
should I stir the sand around? maybe its still lingering on the bottom and bothering him. stir the sand and do a 50% water change?
 
DSM_Zak;4643963; said:
adivce taken, I will do another change.

the pH downer is "Proper pH 6.5" its a powder like baking soda.
should I stir the sand around? maybe its still lingering on the bottom and bothering him. stir the sand and do a 50% water change?
Click to expand...

i wouldn't mess with my ph either up or down using chemicals. there is NO positive by doing this. the fluctuations your fish would go through would be super stressful. water changes are the answer.
 
i have 2 retics that are in a 300g. if you have a syphon vac i would syphon thruogh the sand and do a 50% water change. i would never add any chemicals to your tank especially if you have rays they are verry sencetive to chemicals. hope all is well. post some pics...
 
i try to keep my ph in my tanks the same as my tap but u need a steady kh to maintain it

regular waterchanges are key

i would deff use prime everytime u do a waterchange also
 
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