Master In Training

HI guys.
Just bought my first master test kit.
My results:
pH high range 8.2
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5.0
I have three platies
one eight inch common pleco
Now what?
Bring down the pH ? How

 

I don't mess with pH (mine is the same as yours) The fish can adapt with the exception of a few species. pH swings that occur with buffering attempts are more harmful.

 

Okay, thank you. The ammonia?

 

Okay, thank you. The ammonia?

How long has the tank been up and running? I won't ask if it was cycled because you stated that you just got your test kit today. Have you tested your tap water? At first I just assumed that it had been cycled due to the nitrates but tap water can have nitrates in it.

 

Hi, I have Very hard well water. The kind that stinks. I use half well and half waterwfrom cub foods. We cycled the tank in August, got fish in September. I have been testing with the dip strip things until today after I bought the master kit. I felt like such a professional until I had no idea what to do next .I ended up putting water condioner in the tank....???....

 

My shrimp tanks require me to buy spring water. I add conditioner to it. I always assumed that since it is intended for human consumption, they may add chlorimines. Better safe than sorry. Watch that ammonia reading. It should be 0 but I don't panic at 0.25.

 

Okay, thank you