i just set up a new system consisting of a 110g stock tub with a 40g stock tub above it as the filter. my parameters are great all except my pH. i want to put my niger and my rtc in there but i don't want them to spontaneously combust. the pH is set at 8.4 no matter how many times i've changed the water. i've tried using peat but all i could find was the decomposed stuff that looks like dirt, is that ok to use? please help my fish want the extra room.
pH problems
- Thread starter bukster
- Start date
ok...NO3=20, NO2=3.0, GH=75, KH=20, pH=7.8. as u can see the tank is still cycling but it shouldn't be too much longer till i can put some fish in. i know the alkalinity is low is there anything i can use besides the chemicals like seachems buffers to adjust the KH and pH?
You could try some DIY CO2, that will drop the PH.
What is the PH from the source ?
Any substrate/decorations etc. that are raising it?
The last post stated 7.8 PH, but the first stated 8.4. Which is it?
There is a big difference between the 2.
Buffers work as long as you are willing to keep buying/adding them, but that can lead to inconsistant levels, and do more harm than a consistant high/low reading.
Consistancy is the main key.
What is the PH from the source ?
Any substrate/decorations etc. that are raising it?
The last post stated 7.8 PH, but the first stated 8.4. Which is it?
There is a big difference between the 2.
Buffers work as long as you are willing to keep buying/adding them, but that can lead to inconsistant levels, and do more harm than a consistant high/low reading.
Consistancy is the main key.
bukster;958044; said:
yes, the tank is still cycling, you shouldn´t be adding fish yet, nitrites are too high.
Are you sure your GH is 75º? or it is ppm? that´s very hard water and with 20º KH any attempt to lower pH will fail in the long run.
20º KH isn´t low alkalinity, is very high, I hope you´re not adding more buffers.
Please check the numbers and lets us know your tap water specs.
Any special substrate/decor?
pH 7.8 or 8.4?
the GH and KH are in PPM. i know the tank is cycling that's why all i have in there is feeders. i think it could use more buffers. or am i still wrong?
the pH 7.8 not 8.4, my bad. the pH outta the tap is close to 7 w/low alkalinity and bout 100ppm GH.
the pH 7.8 not 8.4, my bad. the pH outta the tap is close to 7 w/low alkalinity and bout 100ppm GH.
how is that your tap water has 100ppm GH and your tank water is 75ppm?? are you mixing with RO water? please check numbers.
is your tank bare bottom? have you tested your substrate/decor
for carbonates? -put some muriatic acid in the material, if it bubbles or foams then it has carbonates.
I had some pH problems with a supposedly inert substrate no long ago, please do not add chemicals to your tank water until we can solve this.
is your tank bare bottom? have you tested your substrate/decor
for carbonates? -put some muriatic acid in the material, if it bubbles or foams then it has carbonates.
I had some pH problems with a supposedly inert substrate no long ago, please do not add chemicals to your tank water until we can solve this.
well, that´s weird 
I suggest a step by step approach to this problem.
1-Check your test kits? are they fresh? what brand?
2-Rinse your test tubes with pure water, RO or bottled.
3-Fill the tubes to the mark, avoid touching the water to be tested, use a clean syringe.
4-Add the reactives following the instructions to the letter, remember not to cover the tubes with your finger.
5-Compare with the color charts in a well lit area, sun light or daylight illumination is best in order to see the colors appropriately.
6-Take note of the results, it´s a good time to start your logbook.
sorry for being a pain with this procedure, and excuse my english.
Tell me your results, let´s see what can we learn with this problem.
I suggest a step by step approach to this problem.
1-Check your test kits? are they fresh? what brand?
2-Rinse your test tubes with pure water, RO or bottled.
3-Fill the tubes to the mark, avoid touching the water to be tested, use a clean syringe.
4-Add the reactives following the instructions to the letter, remember not to cover the tubes with your finger.
5-Compare with the color charts in a well lit area, sun light or daylight illumination is best in order to see the colors appropriately.
6-Take note of the results, it´s a good time to start your logbook
.sorry for being a pain with this procedure, and excuse my english.
Tell me your results, let´s see what can we learn with this problem.