Presently having problems with very low Ph levels in a 30 gallon tank. We have two Pacus running on an Eheim Classic and a DIY filter with a powerhead attached providing moderate aeration. Pacus are 17" and 12". Ph level always read 6.0 and possibly lower. We don't have anything else to test how much lower the Ph really is. Our nitrate, nitrite and ammonia are all fine. However, they still seem to be "gasping" at times. The fish will be moved to a larger tank (120 gallon) soon. Does anyone know what Ph levels Pacu live in? What is the best way to balance the Ph?
Ph problem for Pacu
- Thread starter Mr&Mrs Nemesis
- Start date
They are gasping because 30 gallons of water can't hold enough dissolved oxygen to allow them to breath!! A 12 and 17" pacu won't last more than a few hours in 30 gallons of water. I doubt you could change the water fast enough.
Please define "fine" with nitrate, nitrite and ammonia? What are the NUMERICAL values?
They won't live very long in 120 either. I hope you have a MUCH bigger tank planned.
Please define "fine" with nitrate, nitrite and ammonia? What are the NUMERICAL values?
They won't live very long in 120 either. I hope you have a MUCH bigger tank planned.
The problem isn't the pH is too low, its the incredibly high ammonia burning their gills. I advise a 50% water change. How close is soon? As temporary set-up till you get a 120g orI recommend an even larger tank. Buy a rubbermaid stock pond from menards, lowes, any hardware store. They're pretty cheep $50 for a 100g pond. Move over your existing filter and buy more filtration. Why would you even allow to put those two fish in a tank?
You need several hundreds of gallons for two pacus. You won't ever be able to make it work in a 30.
(First post for the thread starter. Either it is from a well-intentioned newby or a troll! Let's hope the former.)
(First post for the thread starter. Either it is from a well-intentioned newby or a troll! Let's hope the former.)
cchhcc;3648670; said:
I think its a troll too, but if it is real I want to give those pacu's a chance to live.
We have had the fish for over a year. So yes, they can survive in a 30 gallon. It is now that we are having the problem. We are prepping the 120 gallon to transfer them, but until then, we need a solution to the Ph imbalance. Do you know the proper Ph Pacu live in? We have looked around and found to many different answers. Ammonia 0 PPms Nitrite 0 PPms and Nitrate 0 PPms.
Mr&Mrs Nemesis;3648681; said:
Ok, that make me believe that your tank is uncycled, you can't read a test kit, or your lying. Also how could you torture those two fish by making them live for a year in a 30g? For the last time, pacus are tolerant of pH. Its your crappy water quality.
Pics? A 17" pacu is more than half the length on a 30 gallon (30") and 30% longer than the tank is wide...are you sure about the tank size?