Here_fishy_fishy

i bought quick dip test they test for nitrate nitrite hardness alkalinity and ph i did a test today and the nitrate-0 nitrite-0 hardness-300 alkalinity-300 ph-8.4 that can't be right my fish are doing okay none have died myu water is clear no smell.. is my test faulty?? should i do anouther one.. i just did a wate rchange 2 days ago, and added some conditioner to help with my hard water.. help please asap

kra-z-fishmumm

you needed to pick up the master test kit, it uses liquid drops into a tube, and is much more accurate, get one asap and then do another test.

Here_fishy_fishy

i dunno.. i tested the water outta sink and it said the same things..so i think this one is faulty i went to lfs and they didnt have any in my price range i will be going back 2marrow tho if there alot of alk and my ph is that high 8.4 wouldnt my fish be showing sings of sickness? they seem fine they dont seim around much but my little girl had bites on her that tunred white i got her some medicine and just put it in.. wut are signed my ph is too high or are there any

SereneReyn

as a temporary fix if funds are that tight, your lfs will probably test your water for you for free.

kra-z-fishmumm

yes, sorry, the test kit is expensive, but lasts for a long time, and is well worth the price. Take a look at the home page here in the water chemistry spot, it gives good pH info. whatever you do don't do any MAJOR changes based on the strip test. I used the strips, thinking I'd use them up then buy the master kit (the price was discouraging for me too), and the strip was way off for me. My pH was fine, and I was doing the water changes (using pH down until I read how water changes work just as good and isn't as stressful as the chemicals) like crazy. If your fish aren't stressed, stay calm, get the master tester, and go from there.

Lucy

If I remember correctly, you get enough for 700 tests from the API master kit, so although it is expensive at first, it is more cost efficient in the long run than the test strips and much more accurate. You really need to be checking your ammonia levels too.

As for the bites, (are you sure they are bites?)I don't know anything about the types of fish you have. You may want to look up the behavior and temperament of the species you have.
As for them not swimming around much, it could be they are feeling the effects of the ammonia.
Since you are cycling with fish, I think you are supposed to be doing daily water changes.
Please someone, correct me if I'm wrong about that.

We're all pulling for you and your fish!

kra-z-fishmumm

man,,, i forgot to look to see what you had going,, so sorry. Neither the molly or the platy would be nippers, I don't know about the type of swordtail you have, but mine, just regular ones, can get nippy at times. The readings will be all over the place since you are still cycling and yes, you need to do daily water changes to keep the ammonia levels down. Great catch Lucy

Good Luck

Here_fishy_fishy

thanks that helps i will be doing a change today then.. as for my baby girl (ducky) bite marks they are from an aggressive gourami i used to have. i couldnt have him anymore but yes they are nips and the medicine kicked in they are not as white.. and she is being a... and tryin to get my sword (tiger) and balloon (sherbert) to have sex with her!!! so i think she feels better lol!