pH level, Ammonia, and more ...

So, I recently set up a new 35 gal tank about two weeks ago. I added a few fish to attempt to cycle the tank.

My current readings ...

pH: 8.5
NH3: 1 ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate 0ppm

My questions are:

From what I've read, the pH should be around 7, some of my fish are said to prefer 6.5-7.0. I've also read, " ... most fish will thrive in a wide pH range - usually from as low as a full point below their ideal pH to a full point above the ideal." My out-of-the-tap water is 8.5.

Should I mess with the pH?

There has been no sign of any ammonia digestion. Is this normal after 2 weeks? Is there anything I can do? I am currently using SeaChem Prime to condition my water.

My biggest concern is my gf brought home about 13 fish from the pet store today, and I really don't want them to suffer.

Thank you!

 

I personally wouldn't mess with the pH. Fluctuations are harder on your fish than adjusting to the stable pH.
Everything sounds good. Keep up with partial water changes and enjoy your fish
Carol

 

It took 3 weeks for the ammoinia phase of the cycle to complete and then 3 more weeks for the nitrite phase, so there is nothing to be concerned about. It just takes a lot of patients to cycle a tank.

I agree with the above as far as pH goes.

 

Definitely ignore the pH level, unless it drops to 6.0! As your tank is cycling the pH is going to be all over the place over the next few weeks.

13 new fish in an uncycled tank is a recipe for disaster. The only way to have any chance is to begin 50%+ daily water changes with Prime. If the ammonia or nitrite ever climb over 1.0 PPM you will need to increase water changes and should begin doubling the Prime dosage to help protect the fish.

Another option you may want to consider is purchasing Tetra SafeStart. This product typically can cycle a tank in just 2 weeks.

To help minimize the waste build up, I recommend feeding fish every other day.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the replies!

I've been doing daily 20% water changes as it is, since I had five fish in the tank already. Those five have all been seemingly fine.

I would assume that Prime changes the ammonia to ammonium? That being the case, I can also assume this is also detected in ammonia testing?

I'll look into SafeStart, thank you for the tip!

 

I belive I read on here that Prime does not turn the ammonia into ammonium, but I do not know for sure if that is true or not. But what ever form Prime leave ammonia and nitrite in, will show up durning testing. One thing to be aware of though, if using the API liquid test kit, if the water is tested less than 24 hours after Prime was added, you will get a false (positve ) result.

 

all of the posts are helpful to me

Thanks