Low pH urgent question...

M

Maradona10

AC Members
Jun 5, 2005
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Hi,

My pH levels have fallen to 6.6 (usually ~7), nitrite and ammonia is 0, and nitrate is 10ppm (usually close to 0). I didnt think these levels would cause any serious problems but all my fish are gasping for air at the top of the tank (harlequins, silver tip tetras, guppies, mollies, glass catfish...).

I performed a ~25% water change and for about half an hour it looked fine again but gradually they have resurfaced to the top. I have a Trigon 190 tank and the carbon filter was out as i was treating my mollies for a fungal growth (just ending the 10 day cycle for that - so returned the carbon filter to see if that would help).

Could the low pH be anything to do with putting too much 'SAFEGUARD' in with my new tap water - its the only thing i can think of. I have treated my mollies for the fungas infection (interpret-anti-fingus treatment) without problem.

I have removed any dead plant material i could see, checked for blockages in the filter. The water is slightly cloudy.

Going by what i could find online and with my water levels it could be the low pH or heavy minerals/chlorines causing the fish to be gasping?

My tank has been running for about 9 months.

Please help,

Thanks in advance,

Paul
 
What's the KH? How long ago was the last water change before that 25%? What is the pH out of the tap?

The fish gasping could be from a number of things--and while low pH is not on the list, it could be another symptom of the cause.
 
I dont have a kH measuring kit, and the pH in the tap water is 6.6. Cant say ive ever given much attention to the pH as its always been a steady 7.

I performed a small water change yesterday, <5% - maybe there has been a sudden fall in the pH from the tap water?

My siamese fighter looks like he is on his way out :(

Thanks
 
Well, the fact that the betta is affected rules out low oxygen--they have a labyrinth organ that they use for oxygen, instead of getting it from the water. What was the most recent addition? Anyone flashing, or rubbing against objects?

Doesn't sound like this is related to the pH.
 
Is the water temp normal? Warmer water has less oxygen than cooler water so maybe the temp is unusually high? Of course, answer OG's question first. :)

Peace...
 
Can't see any other symptom other than most fish gasping at surface. The corys are darting to the top at regular intervals.

I bought a couple of guppies a few week ago but all seemed fine until yesterday.

Many Thanks
 
Maradona10 said:
(interpret-anti-fingus treatment)
Click to expand...
Can you list the ingredients in that med, please? It's not a common one that I can find on the web.

Hrm, am I reading right? Is Interpret made for pond fish like Koi? I can only find references to its use on goldfish sites.

Thanks
Roan

Okay, it's Interpet, not Interpret and it's for pond treatments. There is no web site and apparently they don't list the ingredients on any of their stuff.

Paul, is that the only med you can get in the UK?

IMO start doing some 50% water changes. I know you say you've removed it via carbon, but something's not adding up. Can you do two changes and let us know how the fish are?

Roan
 
Last edited:
Cant see any ingredients on the interpret anti fungus & finrot bottle other than a warning it contains phenoxyethanol. Any help?
 
Maradona10 said:
Cant see any ingredients on the interpret anti fungus & finrot bottle other than a warning it contains phenoxyethanol. Any help?
Click to expand...
Researching pheno . . . check my edit in the previous post.

Roan
 
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