ghotiguy

I am in shock. I Know I shouldn't be, but I am. I have been using the test strips to track my water while cycling the tanks I have. Today I bought the API test kit and I have a completely different reading for my pH. (I will update my profile tomorrow.) What I thought was a ph reading of 7.2 is really a reading of 7.8. I was in such disbelief that I had to check the water from the source. Yep, at the faucet it reads the same 7.8. I think I know why some of my fish only made it three days. Cardinals prefer <7 most of the fish I have prefer it <7. That is why I choose the fish I did.
so any suggestions on lowering the ph? Preferrably a method that will be easy to repeat during water changes.

MaddieLynn

You should not use any method to lower your pH. The fish you have now have adapted to the pH of 7.8, and it will shock them to lower it. They will be perfectly fine and healthy in a pH of 7.8. I think when websites say that a fish prefers a pH of such-and-such, it means that they prefer that pH to breed in, because just about any fish can adapt to just about any pH, as long as it isn't too extreme, like 5 (super low) or 9 (super high).

I myself am keeping neons in a pH of 8.2, and they are happy & healthy.

mosin360

Actually, you will find out that many people will say the pH isn't a huge factor as long as the fish is acclimated well. Than they will ask for the other test results and go from there.

stefjane

Hi there
I've tried increasing the pH of my tank by using chemicals in the new water during water changes....it just doesn't work, pH crashes back down and sudden pH changes = stressed fish.
I agree with the above, your pH is fine. Whenever you buy new fish, just remember to test the pH of the water in the bag to see how long it will take to acclimate them to your pH.
Hope this helps,
Steph

platy ben

My water is close to ph 7.8-8 and I have kept and bred german blue rams which, prefer a low ph, in a few of my tanks

ghotiguy

Hey thanks for the replies,
back in my day all we worried about was the ph. guess this old dog needs to learn a few new tricks.
ghotiguy

aquarist48

Hello. I have moved your thread to the Test Kits section of the forum.
Thanks!
Ken