high Ph in a new 29 gal tank

[Michael Wolter]

I have a brand new 29 gal tank that I setup a week ago and am running just with some live plants. No fish yet, but planning a freshwater tropical community tank.

The Ph tests high in the new tank -- about 7.4, but that is as high as my test kit goes so it may be off the scale. Our water (our own well) tests neutral (we had acidic water and have a neutralizer in the house system). I've added Ph reducer a few times and did a partial water change, but this does not seem to have had much effect.

Why would my Ph be so high and how worried should I be? Should I keep dumping in acidifier until I get it neutral or slightly acidic?

I have added aquarium plant fertilizer. One of the plants dropped all it's frilly leaves and made a mess. The gravel is new aquarium gravel. I got the dyed kind and rinsed it throughly.

I'd appreciate any advice. I'm a novice at this. Thanks!

-Mike

 

[MSmith]

The buffer in your water is neutralizing the pH reducer you are adding in. It's not a good idea to use chemicals to modify your pH. It will just lead to pH swings which are worse for a fish than a less than ideal pH. 7.4 will be good for most fish anyway. What fish are you considering? Make sure you cycle the tank before adding fish.

If the pH of your water out of your tap, it could be because CO2 is being released or there could be something in your tank raising the pH. Take some tap water in a shallow dish and let it sit a few hours/overnight. Then test the pH. It may come up to what your tank water is showing. If not, then you'll need to see if there is anything you have put in the tank that is raising the pH. Regular aquarium gravel shouldn't raise pH but some substrates as well as some rocks and decorations do.

Good luck with your tank,

Melissa

 

[Michael Wolter]

Thanks for your response. I'll try the additional test you suggest.

I added some "stress zyme" that is supposed to get the bacteria started. Reading up on cycling.

For fish I was thinking of a couple of angels, some cardinal tetras (though I only see neons for sale around here), swordtails, and some of the more colorful gourami. I think discus are quite cool, but don't know if I'm ready for that. I'm looking for easy, peaceful but colorful fish. (I'm open to suggestions on my fish choices, too.)

This seems like a great forum. Thanks for your help.

-mw

 

[9tails]

Do you have any seashells in your tank? These may raise the PH level.

 

[happychem]

It would also be useful to measure KH for future troubleshooting.

Throw out the pH up/down stuff, it's a short term solution. Plus these normally contain phosphate as a buffer, which can throw your nutrient balance out of whack, resulting in an algal bloom.

More importantly, if your tank has decided that it likes pH 7.4, it's going to go to 7.4. While that may be a flighty way of putting it, what I'm saying is that by trying to hit a 'perfect' pH you're just going to end up with pH swings. The perfect pH is a stable pH. Keep up with water changes once or twice weekly, and you'll have no problems with your pH.

Likely Melissa's guess was right and it's CO2 equilibrium that is responsible for the pH difference between tank and tap. Do the experiment she suggests, dollars to donuts, it'll read 7.4.

If this is the case, I suggest finding another pH kit that spans 7.4, that way you'll have some confidence in your readings. The closer you come to the extrema of test kit ranges, the less accurate, in general. Hagen/Nutrafin makes a pH high test kit that goes to 8.4, I think.