I have finally made progress and all my readings are near good (Ammonia still at .5, NO2=0, NO3=0, PH=6.6), but I'm a walking bucket brigade at this point so the ammonia will be gone by tomrrow. My question is, my water is extremely soft and alkalinity is zero. Are these actual problems if the fish are thriving and if so, how can I safely increase them without stressing the fish?
Hardness & Alkalinity?
- Thread starter Hooked Newbie
- Start date
You can add baking soda, but you have to take readings as you add more after (or during) water changes. I would buy some crushed coral and put it in a filter bag; put in your filter if you can, or if not, bury it in your substrate. I live in an area where the water tests 0 for alkalinity, and while I have selected all fish who like soft, acidic water, the fear is that with no alkalinity, if something went south in the tank, you have no buffering capacity to keep your pH stable. Other options are SeaChem Onyx sand or gravel, or Flora Base substrates. Just don't freak out and do anything drastic to your tank.
Thank you!! Avoiding the drastic is absolutely my aim after all I've gone through. Long story... dumb newbie, fishy cycle, etc. lol
the fish you have like soft, slightly acidic water anyway.
.5 is still really quite high for ammonia, and you will see this go (because of your diligent water changes) and come back again (because the fish continue excreting) before your cyle finishes.
Real progress is when you start seeing nitrates, and as yours are 0 I would think (presuming your test kit is good) you have some way to go yet.
I would not advise attempting to raise/lower hardness, Ph etc., until at least your cycle is complete, and even then it seems to be a real minefield. Most fish, acclimitated properly, do not need these paramters to be adjusted.