Caligo'sKeeper

Hi everyone,

I tested my tropical tank today and I noticed there is a change in the pH and alkalinity-- I didn't add anything to the water or anything, no recent water changes (last one was last week and it didn't test different til today) and my PH is now 6.4 last time I checked it was about 5 days ago it was 6.8 by the test strip (I noticed it has been gradually dropping...like the test before was 7.2 a few weeks ago... and alkalinity is now testing low instead of ideal where it usually is... What is going on, why is it dropping? I have 0 ammonia, O nitrites and about 10 nitrates, tank has been running for about 2 months... I added a live fern and a shoal of 6 glasscats less than a week ago... and I have a blind cave tetra... all fish seem fine, eating and active. What is up with my water perimeters changing though? I'm concerned. Ps. the water hardness is in the soft range.

Thanks!

aquarist48

Hello Caligo. There is no such thing as a stable pH. It drops naturally over time. Here is a link that may help you. The best we can do is try to maintain a stable pH via water changes.Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium - Rate My Fish Tank

Have a good weekend!
Ken

Shawnie

test strips are so unreliable, that you cant really count on them for accuracy IMO ...they can change from day to day unfortunately....liquid tests are much more reliable....and as long as things are stable and dont change drastically and fast, fish will acclimate to all kinds of different ranges.

Caligo'sKeeper

Thanks for the link and the info! I'll have to use the water test kit to double check