How much does PH actually matter?

[ccichc]

I'm aware that there are definitely some species of fish that live in VERY soft low PH waters... but I'm mainly asking does PH really matter? In my city they have raised our PH of our tap to 8.5-9.0. That's pretty high, I know african rift lake cichlids would do well and a few others... but would this high level of PH negatively effect common species like minnows? barbs? danios? tetras? How would our CA counterparts do in waters like this?

Does it even matter as long as it's stable?

 

[Dégatdeau]

It's a pretty big deal if there is ammonia in your system. Ammonia is deadlier at higher pH

 

[Joshuakahan]

I'm aware that there are definitely some species of fish that live in VERY soft low PH waters... but I'm mainly asking does PH really matter? In my city they have raised our PH of our tap to 8.5-9.0. That's pretty high, I know african rift lake cichlids would do well and a few others... but would this high level of PH negatively effect common species like minnows? barbs? danios? tetras? How would our CA counterparts do in waters like this?

Does it even matter as long as it's stable?

I don’t even consider PH. I make sure my cycle is finished and keep nitrates down. I never have any issues.

 

[tlindsey]

negatively effect common species like minnows? barbs? danios? tetras? How would our CA counterparts do in waters like this?

WC SA Tetra may not thrive with a PH that high but others that you mentioned may be fine.

 

[duanes]

WC SA Tetra may not thrive with a PH that high but others that you mentioned may be fine.

Agree with this, Amazonian tetras like Cardinals would probably negatively affected, but Central American tetras or those from west of the Andes in S America, like Astayanax or Roeboides would be fine. Just do a little research before you bring certain species home
My Panamanian Roeboides tetras come from high pH waters, and my tank averages about 8.2 pH.

Lake Gatun in Panama where a number of tetras proliferate can easily hit 9.2.
As far a minnows (if you mean U.S. type), Lake Michigan is full of them, and pH averages 8.4.

 

[ccichc]

Agree with this, Amazonian tetras like Cardinals would probably negatively affected, but Central American tetras or those from west of the Andes in S America, like Astayanax or Roeboides would be fine. Just do a little research before you bring certain species home
My Panamanian Roeboides tetras come from high pH waters, and my tank averages about 8.2 pH.
View attachment 1481282
Lake Gatun in Panama where a number of tetras proliferate can easily hit 9.2.
As far a minnows (if you mean U.S. type), Lake Michigan is full of them, and pH averages 8.4.

I've been out of the hobby for awhile and wanted to comeback... Had my eye on White Cloud Minnows, but my PH here is averaging 8.5-9.0.

 

[xenacanth9]

Agree with this, Amazonian tetras like Cardinals would probably negatively affected, but Central American tetras or those from west of the Andes in S America, like Astayanax or Roeboides would be fine. Just do a little research before you bring certain species home
My Panamanian Roeboides tetras come from high pH waters, and my tank averages about 8.2 pH.
View attachment 1481282
Lake Gatun in Panama where a number of tetras proliferate can easily hit 9.2.
As far a minnows (if you mean U.S. type), Lake Michigan is full of them, and pH averages 8.4.

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