Something is wrong with my tank!

[richardhmc]

well the last time i went to go check, they said only ph was problem but ill go again.

yes. ive made a different thread before about my ph too low and i tested my tap water as 6.4 - 6.6 range

 

[richardhmc]

damnit what should i do?!

 

[guppy]

I would suggest removing the beach rocks to start, and retesting the tapwater before adding it as well. You might want to put the rocks in a bucket and add freshwater of known parameters then a few days later check for changes. Adding crushed, baked oyster shell or shell/coral based sand or gravel should also help bring up the dh and kh as well as the pH.

 

[richardhmc]

So I should take out the rocks, see if there is any difference of the water parameters? ok.

Another option is to used crushed coral? oh do you mean substrates?

 

[guppy]

Yes, as part of the substrate.

 

[richardhmc]

what kind is a good buffer?
The gravel i use right now are like small pebbles that i got in large bags at home depot.

-richard

 

[Bderick67]

I just use regular tap water from my sink. THis is how i do water changes...
1) take python hose, drain out 15 gallons of water from tank while gravel cleaning
2) then throw that water out, fill up my 5 gallon home depot bucket 3 times, adding a half capful prime, and dump that into the tank. Done.

I do water changes once a week.. every friday preferably

Yes.. ive been told that my ph is very unstable which is true...

So how do i fix it?
-richard

You will have to raise the Kh(carbonate hardness)

not sure about your other problems but the nitrate is probablty because of the plecos. and you should get some dechlorifier(spelling) for the new water. not just prime.

Nitrate level is not a problem, looks like you have a good schedule setup for waterchanges

Prime is a dechlorinator.

richard,

Have your LFS test your water. Your GH and KH should not be 0 if you are using tap water.

Agreed zero GH and KH is your problem, have your Lfs test your tank and tap water to confirm

I would suggest removing the beach rocks to start, and retesting the tapwater before adding it as well. You might want to put the rocks in a bucket and add freshwater of known parameters then a few days later check for changes. Adding crushed, baked oyster shell or shell/coral based sand or gravel should also help bring up the dh and kh as well as the pH.

This will help, but will take some time and you will also need to treat your tap water to adjust pH before adding to your tank. Let's see what your LFS comes up with but I think your gonna have to do some pH buffering with your water. The seachem buffers I suggested before (previous thread)will do this effectively.

 

[richardhmc]

ok then. I will go to my LFS and ask em to test my tap water and tank water.