tzqng8

So, last night I finally got in my test kit (API Master freshwater) and tested the parameters of the water Masahari Morimoto is in. I know, bad father. But, I am learning now. I probably should wait until Sunday to test as it has a dose of Tetra SafeStart (the new BIO-Spira for fresh water) but I wanted to see anyway. In addition, I called our local water company today to get some more information on our tap water, and I found out something interesting.

It appears as though the water from our tap generally comes out at about 8.2 pH! The tank water I tested from Mori's tank last night was about 7.6 - 7.8 though.

So, I'm curious, what stocking options do I have at that level for a 30g? Originally I was going to do 6 Bloodfin Tetra's, 6 Pristella Tetra's, and a male Swordtail. But, that PH seems a little high for them and I really don't want to chemically alter the PH.

This is my first tank, so I think Cichlid's are too advanced for me. Willing to entertain suggestions! Thanks!

Barbrella

Your pH will be fine for the fish you mention. They're okay up to about 8.

It would be high for fish like Rams, but you don't want cichlids!

You could also have fish like danios, rasboras and barbs. Although these fish ideally should have a lower pH, they've always done fine and lived for years in my water, which has a pH like yours.

sirdarksol

Most fish will adjust, as long as the pH is stable. Tetras, for example, will do fine and generally live their normal life span, they just aren't likely to breed in alkaline water.

tkfury

I've been under the impression that as long as you properly acclimate most fish - they should beable to handle it. But I'm sure that only works when dealing with pH close to neutral. I was looking into peat moss to help soften my water for my killifish but after adding some driftwood to the tank the pH went from about 7.6 to I believe it was 7 last I checked... but I like the slightly tea-stain water color.

I know that isn't rather helpful but I've heard tiem and time again the last thing you want to do is ever use chemicals to change the pH - it usually does much more harm than good. It might be worth looking around at some chiclids... there might be some that are rather easily to work with from a beginner standpoint. Plus you have the advantage of already knowing where you can go if you need help. I don't have any experiance with them myself butthere always seems to be a fish out there for everyone personality wise and tank requirement wise.

tzqng8

I have no intention of breeding them at this point, so no issues there. I assumed the fish would probably adjust, I just don't want to stress them out with it.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

jdhef

Bosemans Rainbow's are beautiful fish that perfer a ph closer to 8 (or even above).

Also, I have read somewhere that as a tank ages, the ph will drop some.

An additional way to lower ph is to add a CO2 bubbler. I saw somewhere, instructions on how to make one out of a 2 litre bottle and yeast. My ph is a bit high and I was really stressing over it, but in my research it seems that having a slightly high ph isn't much of a problem. It's having a ph that fluxuates that is a problem.

tzqng8

I really like the Rainbows, but they are large than Tetra's, aren't they? If they get to 3", I could do a school of 6 of those, 4 Cory's and a Swordtail maybe...

But I've read that Rainbows are semi-aggressive. If this is true, not sure how they would do with a Swordtail.

Keep the suggestions coming!

Shawnie

I have plenty of convicts and yes, I wouldnt worry about ph...Im not sure if i have ever tested my ph...hmm curious now as to what my tanks are LOL

Barbrella

Rainbow fish are completely unaggressive.......maybe you're thinking of Paradise Fish?

A school of 6 Dwarf Neon Rainbows would be very nice!

jdhef

The Bosemans Rainbows get anywhere from 3.5 to 6 inches (every website seems to list a different adult size for them). They do not appear aggressive at all (until they spot food, they apparently like to eat!).

Dwarf Neon Rainbows are nice, and from what I can tell, grow to about 2". I think the Dwarf Neon Rainbows prefer a more nuetral ph, but I would guess that they would do fine with the levels you have.

Blub

OK, lets do a brainstorm...

Idea #1: Colourful and Peaceful community
6 Dwarf neon rainbows (Melanotaenia praecox)

3 Male Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii)

6 Neon/Serpae tetras (Paracheirodon innesi/Hyphessobrycon eques)
I would envy anyone with this tank. Lots of colour, activity and personality!

Idea #2: A trip down Livebearer lane
6 Male Guppys (Poecilia reticulata)

6 Male Platys (Xiphophorus maculatus/varietus/maculatusXvarietus)

2 Male Swordtails (Xiphophorus hellerii)
This tank would be colourful, active and really great for Donovan. Be sure to mix the varietys of all the fish for maximum appeal.

Idea #3: What about Tetras?
6 Neon (Paracheirodon innesi)/6 Serpae (Hyphessobrycon eques)/6 Black neon (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi)/ 6 Black phantom (Hyphessobrycon megalopterus) Tetras,

6 Glowlight (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)/ 6 Rummy-nose (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)/ 6 Black widow AKA Black skirt (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi)/ 6 Red phantom (Hyphessobrycon sweglesi)/ 6 Bleeding heart (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)/ 6 Pristella AKA X-ray (Pristella maxillaris)/ 6 Red-Eyed (Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae)/ 6 Silver tipped (Hasemania nana)/ 6 Congo (Phenacogrammus interruptus) Tetras.
The beauty of this tank is that it is really customizable yet really simple. All the fish should be able to adapt to your pH.