My tap water ph changed! Problem?

A few months ago when I started my tank, the tap water was 7.8. Now, it is between 8.0-8.2. I have no clue when this happened, how fast it happened, or why it happened. Will this affect my fish? I intentionally bought fish who can handle high ph. I have xray tetras, cherry barbs, and a bristlenose pleco. Everyone is active, eating well, and the barbs are breeding. They don't seem sick or in distress at all; however, I know I'm definitely hitting or above the high range for these fish. I have been against lowering the ph because I don't want to worry about maintaining it. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

As long as the change isn't too drastic, which it doesn't look like it is, they should be fine

 

7.8. Now, it is between 8.0-8.2

Considering the precision of water tests this is within the error margin. Effectively this is not considered a significant change. Sometimes this is within the typical range of changes over the course of the year.

1. What does the KH test say?
2. What reading do you get after leaving the water sit for 24 hours?

 

As long as the change isn't too drastic, which it doesn't look like it is, they should be fine

Thank you, good to know! BTW, I love your profile picture.

Considering the precision of water tests this is within the error margin. Effectively this is not considered a significant change. Sometimes this is within the typical range of changes over the course of the year.

1. What does the KH test say?
2. What reading do you get after leaving the water sit for 24 hours?

That's really good to know. Thank you.
1. What does the KH test say?
My KH is normally around 3-4, which could be the reason for the swing in ph, correct? I'll have to retest now and see what it is.
2. What reading do you get after leaving the water sit for 24 hours?
I don't know; I can test it; however, the tap water, and my two tanks which have not been touched in 24hrs are all around 8.0.

Thanks again

 

1. What does the KH test say?
My KH is normally around 3-4, which could be the reason for the swing in ph, correct? I'll have to retest now and see what it is.
2. What reading do you get after leaving the water sit for 24 hours?
I don't know; I can test it; however, the tap water, and my two tanks which have not been touched in 24hrs are all around 8.0.

That's why I asked. So test then.

 

That's why I asked. So test then.

My KH is 5

 

Keep this in mind. Higher pH makes ammonia more toxic. Just keep an eye on both pH and ammonia for a while as your tank adjusts. At a pH of 8.2 you really need to keep ammonia at .25 ppm or lower - so just detectable on standard test.

 

Keep this in mind. Higher pH makes ammonia more toxic. Just keep an eye on both pH and ammonia for a while as your tank adjusts. At a pH of 8.2 you really need to keep ammonia at .25 ppm or lower - so just detectable on standard test.

Thank you! Great to know. My ammonia is always 0, nitrite 0, and nirate 5-10

 

My KH is normally around 3-4

My KH is 5

Well, pretty clear results.

 

Well, pretty clear results.

Right... so basically it is either slightly changing because of a low KH, or because the test can have a range of error. Thanks for the help.

 

No. KH goes up, pH goes up. Simple as that.
You said it's usually 3-4, you measured 5 now, while experiencing a higher pH. As expected.

Your KH isn't low. But it isn't very high, either.

 

Thanks, MacZ. I really appreciate it