simpleton

I'd like to get some feedback on pH Levels. My tank is 2 years old and very well established. Since day-one, my pH levels have been high(off the charts high) due to the water in my area. All of the LFS' as well as Petsmart and Petco are aware of the issue and have high pH levels in their tanks as well. I have hearty fish that have obviously adjusted to the high pH. I've even used a pH test kit by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that still reads beyond the 7.6 maximum pH reading on the chart. The test strips by Mardel (I know they're not that accurate) show a red color that seems to be higher than the 8.4 max level on their chart. Early on, I tried using chemicals to lower the pH with no success...not to mention that I do not like using chemicals in my tank. I know I have an option at one LFS to purchase aquarium water but that seem expensive (long term) and difficult to transport...Especially if you doing water changes bi-weekly in the neighborhood of 10-15 gallons. I'd love to hear what some of you have to say. I'm open to any and all feedback. Thanks for letting me bend your ear.

Bruce

Gunnie

If your fish are doing well in the higher ph water, and it's the same water they've been used to all their lives, there's no need to alter the ph. You are just causing yourself problems doing that. The only fish that might night a specific ph are wild caught fish, and breeding fish like discus. Otherwise, just leave it as it is. Trying to adjust ph everytime you do a water change can do more harm than good. Ph swings can actually kill your fish. A stable ph is much more important than a perfect ph.

susitna-flower

simpleton

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. I've recently added a piece of driftwood which I read might help with the pH. As for RO, I have one installed in my home put the output is far too small to try and use for 10-15 gallon water changes. I guess I'll need to stay away from fish that would be considered "high maintenance" and really need that lower pH essential for survival. I'll be sure to check in if I have any other questions or concerns regarding pH.