Cycling New Tank Concerns with GH, KH, and pH

I got a strip testing kit, it seems i have super high of everything.

29G Tank (Uncyled)
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
pH: 8-8.5 (Can't tell)
KH: Between 180-240 (can't tell) ppm
GH: 180 ppm

10G Tank (Cycled)
Nitrite:0
Nitrate: 40 ppm
pH: 8-8.5 (Can't tell)
KH: Between 180-240 (can't tell) ppm
GH: 180 ppm

I have no idea what this means and if i should be worried... And is there a way to bring this down?

 

So first off- test strips are notoriously inaccurate so I would suggest to take your water to your LFS and have them test using a chemical test. Or invest in a chemical kit yourself (API test kits but you’ll have to buy GH and KH tests separately from their master kit and you’ll need to buy their high range pH test kit which is why I suggest LFS first to see what is accurate so you don’t end up buying unneeded kits).
If those results are your reality it means that your pH is relatively stable at around 8 so it will be hard for you to change. But this is perfectly fine if you are buying your fish locally because they have been bred and are used to the same water from the aquifer. I would suggest talking to your LFS and seeing if they treat their water in any way.

 

So first off- test strips are notoriously inaccurate so I would suggest to take your water to your LFS and have them test using a chemical test. Or invest in a chemical kit yourself (API test kits but you’ll have to buy GH and KH tests separately from their master kit and you’ll need to buy their high range pH test kit which is why I suggest LFS first to see what is accurate so you don’t end up buying unneeded kits).
If those results are your reality it means that your pH is relatively stable at around 8 so it will be hard for you to change. But this is perfectly fine if you are buying your fish locally because they have been bred and are used to the same water from the aquifer. I would suggest talking to your LFS and seeing if they treat their water in any way.

I am aware of that, but i can't afford a mast kit rn- so im going to use this for a while. Until i can afford one- I do have high ranged pH tho with the master kit

 

I am aware of that, but i can't afford a mast kit rn- so im going to use this for a while. Until i can afford one- I do have high ranged pH tho with the master kit

No worries I would still suggest talking with your LFS and see if they have the same water parameters if possible

 

No worries I would still suggest talking with your LFS and see if they have the same water parameters if possible

The problem i have is my LPS is towns away and my betta I got from petco (I had to save it). Different water quality and such-

 

The problem i have is my LPS is towns away and my betta I got from petco (I had to save it). Different water quality and such-

I usually don’t advocate for people to try and change their water parameters (you can see my previous posts of my own water struggles haha) I’ve kept all sorts of fish with my water and I have strange parameters- hard alkaline water with low KH. As long as pH is stable it’s usually not an issue. I add a buffer into my water because my KH is extremely low. But your KH is not so I wouldn’t change anything

 

I usually don’t advocate for people to try and change their water parameters (you can see my previous posts of my own water struggles haha) I’ve kept all sorts of fish with my water and I have strange parameters- hard alkaline water with low KH. As long as pH is stable it’s usually not an issue. I add a buffer into my water because my KH is extremely low. But your KH is not so I wouldn’t change anything

Ah ok! thank you, but in my tank i have: A Betta, ET, Pygmy corydoras and some shrimp a few snails. Should I be worried about them? I mean they seem fine- I have had them for a year roughly

 

Ah ok! thank you, but in my tank i have: A Betta, ET, Pygmy corydoras and some shrimp a few snails. Should I be worried about them? I mean they seem fine- I have had them for a year roughly

They’ll be fine. Your shrimp and snails appreciate your high GH and your other fish are doing just fine in it. No need to change anything imo

 

They’ll be fine. Your shrimp and snails appreciate your high GH and your other fish are doing just fine in it. No need to change anything imo

Oh ok! Thank you so much- I was so concerned about it-

 

Oh ok! Thank you so much- I was so concerned about it-

Of course! Good luck with your tanks

 

Of course! Good luck with your tanks

Thank you!