we used to have perfect water for cichlids, not so perfect for my cats, but they didn't mind it. PH tested 8.2 out of the tap. I did my usual water changes today and all my africans FREAKED out, 2 of them I thought for sure were dead, so I threw them in a hospital tank with some salt, they are doing better now, but I thought I had killed off all my cichlids and thought for sure my little channel cat was a gonner. Anyway, our PH is 6.8 out of the tap now, what do I do? I have no idea if it's going to go back up, but I will certainly be watching it and be doing smaller water changes if that is the case to adjust them slower next time. Does this happen to a lot of people? If so, what do you do? I can't do 10% water changes, even if they were daily or my nitrates would be through the roof....
My little town changed the crappy water
- Thread starter laura65536
- Start date
I know exactly what to do: Switch places with people who want Soft-water fish. 6.8 is a blessing. Or, you can buffer with crushed coral.
I was more worried about what to do with fluctuating tap water, my fishies sure didn't like the surprise today, and I have a feeling it will go back up. If it doesn't coral is fine, I was just wondering what to do if it's going to be a constant yo-yo of ph coming out of my tap...
I would test your water pH each time you change, and if it's low pH like that use a mix of baking soda, Epson salts and plain salt (non iodised). Get a big plastic barrel and add a teaspoon of each per 5 gallons. Mix it up and test the pH and hardness again, it should be closer to what your cichlids prefer.
You can buy special salts for creating hard water for rift lake cichlids, but those are the main ingredients in them anyway. You can get them all cheap at the grocery store
Cheers
Ian
You can buy special salts for creating hard water for rift lake cichlids, but those are the main ingredients in them anyway. You can get them all cheap at the grocery store
Cheers
Ian