Lee.F

I have a 55 gallon tank that was given to me with an Oscar 12", two kissing Gourumis 4". One pleco 12" and one catfish 8". I know that there probably are too many fish for the size of the tank. The fish are only temperary untill I can set the tank up how I want it. I checked my pH yesterday and it was 6.0, I did a 50% water change and brought it up to 6.4. When I did the water change I pulled a lot of crap from the bottom. I put in a teaspoon of PH up as per instructions, I checked the PH today aprox. 24 hours later and my PH was back at 6.0. I did another water change 50%. When I did the water change tonight I pulled more crap from the bottom, not as bad as the day before. My PH out of the tap is 7.2. I am going to purchase a master test kit to check the nitrite, nitrates and hardness. Could the Bio load throw the PH off that much in 24 hours?

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore lee f!
a stable ph is much better for fish than one that is changed with chemicals..a ph shock can kill fish fast...so id leave that be for now and just continue with water changes...do you know the readings for ammonia,nitrites, and nitrates? if the tank is in a cycle or mini cycle, the ph will change alll the time until that is completed...you most definately have a overstock issue ..one adult oscar , especially the size of yours, is recommended for the 55g ..plecos and oscars are HUGE poo'ers and will make that tank dirty fast....good luck!

Lee.F

I got the on November first, when I moved the tank to my house I brought 50% of the water with me. I am going to get a master test kit tomorrow to check everything else, right only able to check PH. When I got the tank the bottom was pretty dirty. I have had numerous aquariums before in the past here. I have never had a big flucuation in the PH.

Shawnie

usually when you move a tank, acclimating them to the new water is better than moving old water..most of the time your only moving waste with water as it doesnt hold allot of beneficial bacteria or vitamins and such after time..sounds like it could be a mini cycle ...dont continue to use the ph drops....and post the readings when you get your kit and im sure we can help some more....in the meantime, small water changes will help..do you know your tap water ph? (or whatever water source you use to change out water from your tank?) I hope things look up!

Lee.F

Tap water PH 7.2. Tap water is well water with softener.
Thank you for your help.

Shawnie

your welcome
great on the tap...I Have the same water...
once you get the test kit tomorrow, you will feel so much more in control and know where your water parimeters stand...the small water changes (id say about 20%) a day will help in the meantime...

aquarist48

Hello Lee. Welcome to Fish Lore.

Here is a link concerning pH that you may find helpful. I too suggest that you not use chemicals to adjust your pH levels. They are very unstable and can even lead to a pH crash resulting in fish loss.
Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium - Rate My Fish Tank
Best of luck!
Ken

Lee.F

Tested tank today
PH 6.4
Nitrite 0 PPM
nitrate 0 PPM
Ammonia 0.25

Sorry meant to put this in post above. Test was done before water change. 20% after test.

I merged your posts for you.
Thanks!
Ken