Question about the API Test Kit

[sirsears]

Hi Everyone,

I am trying to establish what my PH levels of my tap water are. I bought the API test kit and tested the water this morning after letting it sit out overnight. For those of you that have this kit, do you know if the color would change if it is out of the range of the test? I used the regular PH kit first, and it came out with the bluish color, which is 7.6. Just out of curiousity, i then used the high PH test kit, and it came out with an orange hue, which would indicate a 8.0. Which is correct? And does it matter when it is so close? I thought this kit was supposed to be very accurate though..

[ct-death]

1st, as to the pH readings the low pH tester only reaches 7.6, which it will indicate for anything above 7.6 The high pH scale goes from 7.4 thru to 8.8, thus the 8.0 readings is accurate if done properly.

2nd, the test kit is accurate to approx. 0.1, so yes it is more than we need. generally swings within 0.5 within a 24 hour period is survivable by most fish (not all).

Lastly, I'm not sure what you are testing for, but I would caution against altering your natural pH; however, knowing your pH and the pH of the environment that you acquire any future fish is critical.

Just curious. Good luck! ;)

[sirsears]

I thought you were supposed to test your tap water before adding any fish, just to have a base number later on if there are any problems, and to see what kind of fish i can add.. I thought certain fish are better off with different PH levels.. And I am not going to do anything to alter it, but is 8.0 on the high side for tap water? I believe i did it accurately, just added 3 drops to the test tube for the regular ph kit and 5 drops for the high ph test kit..

[Weezer]

I actually did the tap water ph test last night and again this morning, last night out of the faucet it looked to be around 7.8, and this morning after letting a bowl of water sit out, about 20 hours, 7.6, I agree it can be difficult to tell the differences sometimes, i also recommend not adding any ph modifying solutions, the fish wont know the difference, and the chemicals wont do them any good.Your fish will adapt to the ph no problem, i would say your ph is around the 7.8 mark, i also do both tests and the call it somewhere in the middle as an average, my tap and tank ph dose
'nt seem to really change, with the city water we have.........:)

[ct-death]

I thought you were supposed to test your tap water before adding any fish, just to have a base number later on if there are any problems, and to see what kind of fish i can add.. I thought certain fish are better off with different PH levels.. And I am not going to do anything to alter it, but is 8.0 on the high side for tap water? I believe i did it accurately, just added 3 drops to the test tube for the regular ph kit and 5 drops for the high ph test kit..
You are right, I was just clarifiying to be sure ;)

To test the tap though it needs to sit out for a day to be accurate (i.e. what will it read after being in the tank), but I test mine both right out of the tap and after a sit-time as Weeser has mentioned just to be safe. I also do this every so often to ensure my peace of mind and when acquiring new fish (I test the water from the LFS).

A pH of 8.0 right from tap will propably read somewhere around 7.7 - 7.8 after it sits. I have my tanks at 7.6 and my tap reads between 7.8 and 8.0

You are correct that not all fish can adapt to some extremes, but a pH of 8.0 should handle any fish that you will come across at the LFS.

[sirsears]

You know, I has asked a similar question on another thread and was told to let the water sit out overnight, which i did, but it was tap water! I should have assumed that they were talking about the aquarium water.. :)
But it is good to know that the 7.8-8.0 level is not too high, thank you for that info..

[Weezer]

You know, I has asked a similar question on another thread and was told to let the water sit out overnight, which i did, but it was tap water! I should have assumed that they were talking about the aquarium water.. :)
But it is good to know that the 7.8-8.0 level is not too high, thank you for that info..
The tap you let sit out,,,,,,,,,,,aquarium water can be tested at any time..

[sirsears]

Ok, so i was correct in letting it sit out.. thanks! I just was under the impression from reading the test kit instructions that if the PH level is outside the range of the test kit, then nothing would happen to the water.. i sent an e-mail to the company, of course no one responded. But if you guys are giving me the assurance that the fish will adjust to the high PH level, then i am comfortable with it. Arent there some fish who like the water on the acidic side though?

[Weezer]

Some do, what type of fish are you considering, once your tank is set up and established you will have a better idea where the ph is going to rest at. This is just one site out of many check out the fishes and there ph ranges http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=830...:)

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Although there are some fish that prefer water that is on the acidic side, from what I understand it is usually only important to recreate that for breeding purposes. If the water in your LFS is has a different pH for some reason (different water system for example), you can slowly drip tank water into the holding bag for about an hour to help the fish get used to difference.

[hitman12131976]

Although there are some fish that prefer water that is on the acidic side, from what I understand it is usually only important to recreate that for breeding purposes. If the water in your LFS is has a different pH for some reason (different water system for example), you can slowly drip tank water into the holding bag for about an hour to help the fish get used to difference.

That is the same understanding that I have. Appropriate pH is necessary for the fish to want to breed. Else, they won't be interested. I had some Neon Tetras that usually like the pH to be as high as 7.0. My tank reads about 7.8. They did just fine. They died because of Ich medication. But if I never would have used the med, they'd probably still be alive. The fish will adapt to the pH.

The test kit is correct with the orange hue as well. I had the same experience as you did with the blue color first, then the orange. Mine turns a slight orange (sorta like watered down Tang, haha).

[sirsears]

Ok, thank you. I have no interest at this time to breed fish, I dont have a big enough tank for that (20 gallon long), I just want to stock it with the Danios, guaramis, paradise fish, a couple of catfish. Nothing crazy, I dont want to over-stock.