meris Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Hi everyone.. I have been having pH problems with my tank for a while now and have run out of things to try…im hoping someone can help me out! Problem: Tank pH is always low Tank info: Freshwater planted tank (aprox 150 litres) Substrate is mostly sand, some gravel as well Fish: Krebinesis - about 15 ranging from 2cm long to 5cm long Swordtails – 1 male and 5 female Harlequins – 9 Rocks: I used to have a variety of river stones in my tank, but have removed them all to try to solve the problem. Now there is only granite purchased from LFS. Fish food: cichlid granules and some flakes, fed once a day, small amount Tank age: This tank is about 2yrs old Medication used: Cycle, tonic salt, pH up, stress coat What I have tried: I have tried regular water changes, I have tried drastic water changes ( I have recently moved twice so have done radical changes both times with only one bucket of water being kept) I have tried weekly 10% changes, I have tried raising the pH with the “pH up†medication….i have removed all rocks not purchased from LFS. The tank has been moved from a dark room, to a light room to mid range light. The fish all seem to be fairly happy, they are eating as normal…they do seem a lot happier when I change the water, colours more vibrant etc. The krebes are breeding, so they cant be that unhappy, as are the swordtails... Does anyone have any ideas? I’ve run out of ideas. Thanks! Any suggestions will be muchly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilknieval69 Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 what is the pH on at the moment?? Rogan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Without knowing the PH, it might be ok, not worth worrying about anyway. But in general you can throw a sack of bird grit into the filter, it's just crushed oyster shells and slowly raises the PH. Works well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meris Posted June 16, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 i just tested it, it is at 6 I last did a water change (1/3) 5 days ago, and the ph was fine then. Im going to do another water change tomorrow. PS ive also tested nitrate and nitrite & they are both fine Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilknieval69 Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 6 IMO isnt that bad.... a couple of my tanks sit on 6 constantly and the fish are fine If you are really worried about it, try putting some sea shell into the filter (trial and error as to how much) or as ira said, bird grit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Yeah, 6 is a bit low. Not a huge immediate worry, but pick up some bird grit, I prefer the coarser stuff if you can, and just throw a handful in your filter and it should bring the PH up a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meris Posted June 16, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 Thanks to both of you, i'll see what i can find tomorrow, fingers crossed this will work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunday brunch Posted June 16, 2006 Report Share Posted June 16, 2006 First thing i quess you need to know is what is your tap water ph and hardness? Many councils will adjust tap water to neutral ph this is to avoid pipe corrosion using co2 however it is usually a temp ph adjustment and in many cases alters drastically once ut has been in your tank a while. once you determine this ph you can look at buffering measures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted June 17, 2006 Report Share Posted June 17, 2006 Many councils will adjust tap water to neutral ph this is to avoid pipe corrosion using co2 however it is usually a temp ph adjustment and in many cases alters drastically once ut has been in your tank a while. Leave you water overnight with an air stone running in it to drive out the CO2 before you test the PH, a lot of NZ tap water is rain water which has a low PH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharn Posted June 17, 2006 Report Share Posted June 17, 2006 whats the kh reading? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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