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Please Please help me


Judy Sanson

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:dunno: :( My PH always reads high, how do I keep it at a normal level reading ?? I have just checked it now, its reading 7.6. I have added PH down and it hasnt budged. Yep, I have used the correct dosage. Last week when I did it, it swung right down to the other end of the scale. The next day when I checked it, it was back up to 7.6. My two sharks that I have, have been coping well with all of my bungling. My tank is 60x30x30 and 54 litres. my sharks at the moment are only two inches long. I am getting a four foot built as we speak. Oh yes, I am a beginner to this keeping of tropical fish. I dont usually post, only read what others have posted. My gravel im using is fruit salad (I think thats what they call it) small pebbles. I have two pieses of driftwood that I have had for a long time. And the only plant i have is Java Fern. Im having problems with my plants as well, but will leave that for another time.

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Is there a reason you want a lower pH? I'm a beginner too but from what I've read, consistancy in water chemistry is much more important to fish health than having an exact reading (unless you have difficult species of fish or are trying to breed).

I'd love to see a picture of your tank :D I'm keen on getting some sharks myself.

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Iv got two new fish from my brothers tank, and out of curiousity I tested the water from his tank.it was reading at 6. I thought if I could bring my tank down a little it wouldnt be such a shock for the new wee fishies. One is a Black widow Tetra, and the other/? Im not sure of. It has a thick black line along its body, which carrys on down the lower tail fin. I tested the water in the bag once i got them home.

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The others above have given you good advice.

Don't worry too much about the pH. Most fish that you will be keeping will adapt to a pH in that range with no worries at all. Avoid using the pH up and pH down chemicals as they can cause rapid swings in pH that can stress the fish a lot. It is the rapid changes that affect fish more than the pH in almost all cases.

Tap water is usually around pH 7-7.6. I don't live in Dunedin but I believe the water is slightly hard (someone down there should be able to comment on if this is the case) so it may be slightly more alkaline (higher pH), but that is good because it is more stable.

People who keep specialised fish that need a pH that is very acidic (low) or alkaline (high) will add things to change the pH:

1. Things that raise the pH (alkaline): limestone, coral, shells all create 'hard' water that gets more alkaline over time (it also resists pH fluctuations).

2. Things that lower the pH (acidic): soft water (like rain water), bog wood, leaves or peat which leech tannins into the water and make it softer and more acidic (soft water is much more prone to pH fluctuations).

In short, I wouldn't worry too much about pH unless you start keeping some more advanced species like those that originate in the African lakes or Amazon river, and most people that you would get these types of fish from will give you good advice for how to set your tank up to create a good habitat. ;)

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Hi Sharkie.Yep your right. I tried looking up heaps of fish, but couldnt find it. Once I knew what to look for, it was easy. It also likes a high PH, so thats good. I got my two sharks ages ago, and they are thriving. a month or so later (3 weeks ago)I got another shark and a siamese Fighting fish. The shark dissapeared a week later and I found what was left of him when doing the weekly water change. The Fighter died later even after trying to save him. He had nothing wrong with that I could see. He was sick for a few days before he died. Oh, yes, I plan to get more of the Black Widow and the Penguin. Want at least four of each. At this rate, Im going to need a bigger tank sooner. There is a tank on trademe that Im looking at. its 100x45x50. comes with stand as well. Trouble is, how do I sneak it into the house without my husband noticing??????

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I wouldn't worry about what the pH is. As long as its stable. Fish seem to adjust really well as long as the changes are slow.

So's not to shock new fish I usually acclimatize them slowly by putting them in a bucket with the water they came in . Then slowly dripping in water from the tank they are to go in . I use a piece of air line with a knot in it. Leave them for an hr or two then net them out into the new tank.

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