Question about the API Test Kit

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!

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.........

sirsears said:

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..

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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 said:

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..

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The tap you let sit out,,,,,,,,,,,aquarium water can be tested at any time..

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...

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.