PH issues??

[Hammerhead]

let me clarrify what i ment from my earlier post.

KNOW what your water is, and then work out what levels you think are needed, then work out how much (if any) of the various substances you need to add.

I agree 100%. I found out it is VERY important to understand your source water. I originally wanted to have Discus in my 60-gallon tank. The first time I filled it with water and got all the filters, I measured the pH at 7.0 and felt good about the possibilites of having these beautiful fish. I needed to cycle the tank so no fish, but within 24-hours the pH measured 7.8. Another 24-hours later and the pH was 8.1! I had the water pH (out of faucet and 48-hours later) tested by a laboratory (helps to know the right people) and they confirmed the 7.0 and the jump to 8.1 ... multiple times. My discovery was my tap water coming out of the pipes is 7.0, but once it settles for 24-36 hours it climbs to 8.1 and stays put. So at that pH the Discus were out and the Africans were in (a choice I've turned out to enjoy). All I do is a once-a-week, 10-gallon water change of which I add only 1 tablespoon of baking soda. The soda gets me to a pH of 8.3 to 8.4. The water is already HARD so I don't add anything else.

Water temp = 76-78F
pH = 8.3-8.4
GH = ~180
KH = > 240
TDS = 530
Nitrites and Ammonia have always been zero ... so far.
Nitrates fluctuate between 0-30.

Rod

 

[Tongue33]

ok as I understand Africans need to have a ph around 8.5 to survive correct???

No

I was also planning on keeping Frontosa, how many can be kept in a 75 gallon and what would be the best filtration???

My questions are

1-WHERE are you purchasing the Fronts

2-Are you purchasing a grown group or Juvies

And my suggestion like stated by someone else is DO NOT mess with your water without researching the subject more..

Any one I mean any one; Clown or Brain, can say use this that and or baking soda... But if you go doing that to your fish you just bought at your LFS that also has a low pH.... You might just kill your fish, or cause other ill effects to your system.

So back to the questions..

Where are you getting them?

Adults or Juvies?

And What are the Parameters they are in now?

Just some points to ponder

 

[mike dunagan]

No




My questions are

1-WHERE are you purchasing the Fronts

2-Are you purchasing a grown group or Juvies

And my suggestion like stated by someone else is DO NOT mess with your water without researching the subject more..

Any one I mean any one; Clown or Brain, can say use this that and or baking soda... But if you go doing that to your fish you just bought at your LFS that also has a low pH.... You might just kill your fish, or cause other ill effects to your system.

So back to the questions..

Where are you getting them?

Adults or Juvies?

And What are the Parameters they are in now?

Just some points to ponder

Tongue made some good points here... Also do not trust your local LFS... take a small collection container to their store and have them test your water... then come back a day or two later and come with an empty one and get a little of their water... then ask them to check it to see if your water has changed...(if it is free)... This way you will know for sure what they have... best to take water from tank where fish that you want are... I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes they will lie... also if they tell you to put your fronts in brackish water... turn around and run with your hands in the air above you...


Also, acclimate your fish when you do bring them home... meaning do not just let them get to temp and put in water... buy some extra air tubing and let water slowly drip into a bucket with the fish until they are use to the water... if you are spending all this time making sure you get it right, do not ruin it...

hope this helps...

ps... one of the better threads on water in this forum...(for Africans)