pH drop = x.x clown loach

[pupumole]

Something is making my pH drop like 1 everyday in my 150 gallon tank. and ive been adding pH + everyday, but thats only slowing it down.did a 30% waterchange today, and it didnt come up. its now at 6.3 i already lost 4 clown loaches probably due to that wats happenin?? help

 

[Bderick67]

I've kept clown loaches at a 6.4 pH without problem, so I dought the lower pH is the problem, unless it is a drastic swing. Best if ya provide as much info as you can, the more info provided, the better the chance of someone here helping you otu.

What are all your water parameters? Amonia, nitrites, nitrates, Gh & KH.
What is your filtration system?
What type fish? Size & how many?
How often and how much do you feed your fish?
How is your tank decorated, substrate and decor?

Answer these best you can, the Mfk members will help ya out.

 

[ewurm]

Yeah, let's get more info on params, and we'll see.

 

[pupumole]

thanks for the quick reply : ) water params ... i got those lil test strip thing that doesnt tell much but it says nitrate and nitrite is fine, water hardness is moderate.. thats all it says( i know i need a better test kit-__-) for filter, i got a ocean cartridge filter, a uv sterilizer, a canister, and a homemade wet/dry ... i got some 4 pbass, 3 plecos, and 1 leporinus. i feed em once a day with pellet, freeze dried shrimps, and i use to feed cucumber to the clown loaches. but i stopped the cucumber since im suspecting thats wat making the water more acid i got driftwood and normal gravel... so ya? what might be lowering the pH so fast? dunno wanna lose my remaining 2 clown loach : S thanks

 

[Bderick67]

You definitely need to get a good test kit. You need to have a real handle on ammonia and nitrites elevated levels of either one is very unhealthy for fish, both need to be at zero.

What is the past history of your pH, when did you notice it starting to drop. I would stay away from the chemicals to raise it also. PH fluxuation is not good either.

It could also be caused by a build up of waste, how long has it been since you cleaned your mechanical filtration. Also what is your water change schedule? Do you monitor the pH of your tap water?

 

[ewurm]

I would also test the kH of your tap water. If you have a low buffering capacity, that could easily cause this problem.

 

[JardiniBoy]

Is your tank cycled? (i.e. When was it set up?)

 

[Bderick67]

I would also test the kH of your tap water. If you have a low buffering capacity, that could easily cause this problem.

this is the "alkalinity" you may have on your 5 in 1 test strips

 

[pupumole]

ehhh ... the tank is just over a month old... honestly, i havent cleaned my filters at all ... and ive never thought about testin the tap water, cuz i assume that after i added those " Proper pH 7" thing the water will be perfect-ish. strangely, that 5in 1 test strip doesnt have alkalinity... anyway, first thing tomorrow, ill be going to my local petclub to get a nice water tester kit Thanks for all your advice, i really appreciate it

 

[M|L]

Water chemistry can be very tough (and confusing).

I won't try to explain everything, especially with my limited knowledge, but do a simple search online and you'll get the hang of it.

After the research, buy a good test kit (don't be cheap on it, get a nice reliable one) and do a thorough test of your tank water and tap water. After you get the readings, post them and maybe we can assist you a little more about what should be done about your dropping pH level.