OK I am new. I setup my tank 7 days ago. 55gal, 4 silver dollars, 7 guppys, 1 goldfish, 4 ghost shrimp, 1 pond snail (being removed today). I also have 3 live plants. the problem is that when I test my water everymorning it says my alkalinity is low. I have added the ph increser everyday and now I have used an entire bottle with no luck. It stays the same. Everything else tests fine. I am useing the quick test, test strips. I want to put in some apple snails but I can't get water right. Can someone help?
test strips are relatively innacurate. but with that said what reading are you getting with the strips?
either way following my thread you will receive about 30 comments saying "Dont mess with your ph. using the ph buffers will cause a lot of stress to your fish. your fish will adapt to the ph and everything will be fine"
My alkalinity is a little on the low side, I added a handful of crushed coral to my gravel in 29 gallons and it has held the alkalinity stable for 6 months now. I was slowly dropping pH as measured with a meter.
OK I am new. I setup my tank 7 days ago. 55gal, 4 silver dollars, 7 guppys, 1 goldfish, 4 ghost shrimp, 1 pond snail (being removed today). I also have 3 live plants. the problem is that when I test my water everymorning it says my alkalinity is low. I have added the ph increser everyday and now I have used an entire bottle with no luck. It stays the same. Everything else tests fine. I am useing the quick test, test strips. I want to put in some apple snails but I can't get water right. Can someone help?
Leave your ph alone, most livestock will adapt to the ph. Invest in a liquid test kit, most of us us API Freshwater Liquid Master Test Kit. Looks like your tank is not cycled if you just started 7 days ago. Because you already have fish in the tank, you need to read and follow the directions for a fish in cycle http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598
Keep a close eye on the water parameters (ammonia & nitrite are deadly to fish and if they reach .25 an immediate water change is necessary). Try to keep the ammonia and nitrite as close to 0 as possible.
I would not buy any more livestock until your tank is cycled.
I see some problems with your stock choices as well as the gold fish is a cold water fish and the others are tropical. Your Silver dollars will more than likely eat your plants.
Hope this helps. Please ask any questions that you have. There are many here that are more than willing to help.
Before you add anything else or make adjustment for pH with crushed coral, try to get an accurate reading of your water parameters, both in your tank and of the tap water you're using (let that water sit for 24 hrs prior). Those test strips can give you totally false readings. They're terribly misleading. They often "detect" levels of something that's really not there or miss something that's at a very high level. You just never know which way it goes. You'll be cycling this tank with a high stocking level as this is, so getting a liquid test kit now will save you a LOT of grief in the coming months.
Your goldfish is also a coldwater species and the others need tropical water conditions, plus completely different kinds of food. Not compatible at all and should be moved to another tank (minimum 15-20 gallons per goldfish within a very short amount of time). Both apple snails and weather loaches (dojos) would be suitable tankmates in a goldfish tank, if it's large enough. Left where it is in this tank the goldie will eventually develop illness or disease. It will also eat your shrimp and the guppies as it grows larger. Goldfish are omnivores who'll scarf down anything (anyone) that fits into their mouths.
You can find out a lot of useful info about goldfish care in our Coldwater/Temperate forum. We have many members who frequent that section are happy to share their experiences and answer whatever questions you might have.
We're real happy you've joined the group. Best of luck with all your fishy adventures!
:welcome:Welcome, Skmmurphy! :hi:You have come to the right place for help and encouragement in your new hobby. I'm a relative newbie myself and have learned so much from these guys.
These folks are incredibly experienced fishkeepers, and know so much more about aquaria than 99% of the people you talk to in the local fish store (lfs) or in the chain pet stores.
I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning and wish I had found this site when I first started with my 10 gallon.
These guys are so helpful and really want us to succeed as fishkeepers. Listen to their advice. I have and it has saved my fishies and my sanity, lol.:dance2:
