rctoyguy

I have used an entire bottle of pH up over the past few months, and it is still testing at around 6.2. Total alkalinity is also in the 0-40 range.

Within about 3 or 4 days of a 50-60% water change, it's back looking very green - just the water, not the sides.

I'm guessing the messed up alkalinity and ph are allowing the green water?

Did I hear that I can use baking soda instead of pH up? How much?

It's a 30 gallon tank with only a few zebra danios and neon tetras.

Dino

The fish you mention would do just fine in 6.2.
Adding marble or limestone chips/rock, would be a good long term way to rise pH.

pinkfloydpuffer

Usually the ph up chemicals cause more problems than they solve. Most fish like a stable ph more than any particular ph.

rctoyguy

Is this green water problem related to the low pH and alkalinity problem that I am having?

The light stays off 95% of the time or more, and there is only very limited outside light that gets to the tank.

I had aquariums years ago, and NEVER had problems like this - the only thing I can think of that is different is that this one doesn't have an undergravel filter, and that is what I always used before.

mitch

my waters ph is 6.0, my water is not green. i do have have some brown tint from driftwood.
I think my ph level is from the wood.

Dino

The low pH and alkalinity is not a problem.
Many folks would love to have water like yours to work with.
I do not believe it ties in with the green water.
What are you feeding?
Green water may be from excess phosphates from flake food.
Also, what is you water change schedule.