mercurybebe

I finally have 2 completely cycled tanks!!!! Its been a few weeks of struggling to get the stocking right but we are finally there!!!

However, I seem to have an issue with pH. It is all over the place in *both* tanks and goes from 6.0 to 7.8 (never higher than that) for no reason that I can understand.

Last night I did a 25% water change in my 25g tank and the pH went from 7.6 before the change to 6.0 a little while ago...about 24hrs later.

In my 55g tank it went from 7.0 yesterday, I didn't do a water change, but added a few gallons of fresh water and it is 7.6 tonight.

I have had it jump back and forth in both tanks like this for a while and I am wondering if my fish will suffer Is there anything I can do to try and stabilize it or get to the root of the problem?

matt6765

most fish dont like big Ph changes

Nate McFin

Well it sounds like you have a couple different issues going on. One in the tank that is rising. Something in the tank is causing the Ph to jump up. It can be caused by the substrate, rocks, possibly some decorations.
What type of substrate do you have as well as decorations?
The other tank sounds like it is having some acid which can be caused by rotting material in the tank (decaying plant, too much food) It can also happen when nitrate or Nitrites converts to Nitric or Nitrous acid.
Have you tested your tap water?

mercurybebe

tested the tank water for what? pH level?

The tank with the pH that is lowering doesn't have an algae eater or cory cat in it yet...maybe the food isn't being eaten at the bottom very well...

I just have rocks, a few decorations and fake plants in that one...

In the bigger tank I have some huge rocks, fake plants and decorations. I just posted some new pics of the tanks.

It is just so weird because they both keep going up and down...

capekate

First I would ask, what type of testing kit are you using? Its possible that what you are using is not giving you a reliable reading, such as test strips may.
If it were me, I would test the tap water a few times over a few days and see if that is changing or staying the same.
Are you on well water and if you are, has there been a lot of rain lately where you are that may change your PH?
Just throwing some thoughts on this out there...

Nate McFin

I would test the water from the tap as CapeKate suggested. Once directly out of the faucet and then again after it has sat for 24 hours in a glass. (Ph will change out of the tap due to Co2 off gassing.
Are the rocks the same type in both tanks? Some rocks will affect PH.

omnitheforsaken

I have a similar question and didn't know where to post it so this seemed to be an appropriate place. I have a Molly tank. I've read that they like the pH between 7.6 - 8.2. I also read that putting driftwood in a tank lowers the pH. So, is this something I should worry about and is there a way to counter it? I kind of want to keep the driftwood because my Java Fern is attached to it but obviously the fish come first. Any suggestions?

inari

There are these lava looking rocks, i don't remeber what they are called but they will counter your driftwood pH, if you need a picture let me know and I'll post one for ya. On the pH issue for the main poster, I'd suggest getting some pH stabilizer, I hate with a passion throwing chemicals in a tank but that might be what you need. You can also try an additive called equilibrium by seachem it hardens your water and will reduce the pH fluxes.

best of luck

omnitheforsaken

Could you please? Also, do you know where I can get them?

aquarist48

Here is a helpful link on maintaining a stable pH.
http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/articles/107

inari

You can get them at most pet stores that sell fish, i know the Petco and Petsmart have them. I'll add it a picture when I can take a picture in the morning.

inari

Alright, assuming this will actually show up and my computer doesn't cop an attitude you can see what i'm talking about. These rocks are available in a variety of sizes of different colorations, this is one that my hermit Crabs love to climb on. I have one in my fish tank as well, it helps keep the pH lower than normal maybe you can use it counter your high pH and ur drift wood issues.

best of luck,

Inari

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