What's causing high ph???

[5Spot Junkie]

I just completed my fishless cylce after 5 weeks. Tank is 125g, using pool filter sand as substrate and have 3 huge pieces of driftwwod in tank. Using an fx5 for filtration with polishing pads, bio max and purigen in trays.

So here's my problem, I'm shootin for a 7-7.5 ph. Tap tests at 6.8-7.2 ph. I just tested my tank and it looks like it's at an 8 ph. What could cause this jump? Using API test kit.

Any info would be great! I'm ready to put an order in to Rapps once I fihure this out.

Thanks

Will

 

[Deaths Sting]

is there any rock in the tank? certain types of rock like limestone with raise PH

 

[CTU2fan]

That's what I was thinking. PFS doesn't usually do anything with pH but if there's no rock that's the next place I'd check.

 

[packer43064]

You want 7.5 and it's 8 personally this won't make a difference unless you want fish that have sensitivities to PH. You'll be fine.

 

[Just Toby]

That does sound odd, is it a glass tank as a tiled pool would maybe do this, my guess is the PFS.

I agree with the post above, the PH will drop over time due to dilution and you are not far off, it is the big swings you need to avoid not the actual ph.

Do not forget that many fish are bred or kept at tap water PH anyway from the breeder or LFS.

 

[5Spot Junkie]

Dam, I do have 3 rocks in the tank. Their not to big but I'll take them out and try.

Thanks

 

[5Spot Junkie]

I think their river rocks. Does that rock have limestone in them?

 

[MonsterMinis]

I'de pull the rocks and do a heavy water change. see if it helps. Also what does you water come from straight out of your tap? and what is your hardness or KH at? If it isn't your rocks those would be the next point of investigation.

My bet is your river rocks. I've had this happen in the past with stones.

 

[Sab_Fan]

what about aeration? I believe that heavy use of airstones can also cause an increase in Ph levels

 

[rhodes_96]

Pour some vinegar on the rocks. If they fizzle or become lighter, this would indicate a breakdown of calcium, and more than likely contributing to the issue.