When I test, I use the Mardel test strips with everything but Ammonia on them and I test with liquid reagent test kits, at the same time, doing at least the big three (Amm, Nitrtite, Nitrate) in the reagent testing. When I first set up my tank in October, it had perfect 7.2 Ph and the water out of the tap was exactly the same. Over the weeks that followed, the Ph has remained a beautiful 7.2 to 7.4 or maybe 7.6 at most.
This morning, I used Mardel dip test and got what looked like a 6.8! So, I used the Wide Range Ph Test kit I have (new in 2006) by Pondcare, and got a reading of 8.0
So-did a test of the water right out of the tap, using both the dip strips and the reagent test. Still 6.8 on the Mardel strips, but 9.0 out of the tap!
I'm not sure what to think of this. I did a partial WC night before last. We've had a lotta rain here in Western Washington, so maybe that is affecting the aquifers, but that's a lot of change. Maybe I should call the water company and see what they say?
And then there is the fact that I'm not sure which test to believe. They've been in sync with each other until now, but one or the other must be bad. I purchased the reagent test kit at a store with good inventory turnover, just this past summer, but there is no expire date on it. I purchased the Mardel test strips when I bought my tank, expiration is 2008 on them.
My fish have been itchy lately and rubbing their sides and gills (since getting new fish two weeks ago). My ammonia, nitrite have been at zero, except for one very minor upswing two days after the new fish were added. Nitrates which were high for a time after the tank was first set up, have evened out and been staying at 20 or less with the regular water changes. Because of the flashing, I added salt (about 1.5%) to the tank two weeks ago and last week, I also did two treatments of Jungle's Parasite Clear.
I am slowly reducing the salt with the water changes but am still seeing the platies flashing. Also for the first time, today, the Dojo was flashing and scratching. I had expected him to do this when the higher salt levels were in there. I'd say the salt is at about .5% by now.
I appreciate anyone sharing their thoughts with me.
BTW the 29 Gal has a power filter that is rated up to 40 gallons. We also have one of those long air bubblers in the back of the tank and another small one under a rock decoration.
This morning, I used Mardel dip test and got what looked like a 6.8! So, I used the Wide Range Ph Test kit I have (new in 2006) by Pondcare, and got a reading of 8.0
So-did a test of the water right out of the tap, using both the dip strips and the reagent test. Still 6.8 on the Mardel strips, but 9.0 out of the tap!
I'm not sure what to think of this. I did a partial WC night before last. We've had a lotta rain here in Western Washington, so maybe that is affecting the aquifers, but that's a lot of change. Maybe I should call the water company and see what they say?
And then there is the fact that I'm not sure which test to believe. They've been in sync with each other until now, but one or the other must be bad. I purchased the reagent test kit at a store with good inventory turnover, just this past summer, but there is no expire date on it. I purchased the Mardel test strips when I bought my tank, expiration is 2008 on them.
My fish have been itchy lately and rubbing their sides and gills (since getting new fish two weeks ago). My ammonia, nitrite have been at zero, except for one very minor upswing two days after the new fish were added. Nitrates which were high for a time after the tank was first set up, have evened out and been staying at 20 or less with the regular water changes. Because of the flashing, I added salt (about 1.5%) to the tank two weeks ago and last week, I also did two treatments of Jungle's Parasite Clear.
I am slowly reducing the salt with the water changes but am still seeing the platies flashing. Also for the first time, today, the Dojo was flashing and scratching. I had expected him to do this when the higher salt levels were in there. I'd say the salt is at about .5% by now.
I appreciate anyone sharing their thoughts with me.
BTW the 29 Gal has a power filter that is rated up to 40 gallons. We also have one of those long air bubblers in the back of the tank and another small one under a rock decoration.
