PH Balance, and a few other questions about chemical testing.

Deadline

Deadline

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Mar 27, 2007
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have a 10 gallon tank that is in the process of cycling. Its been about 4 days since I put my Betta in it to start the cycle. I purchased an API Freshwater chemical test kit and tested the water. It came up with 0 Am, 0 Nitrite (whatever the one that goes along with Ammonia, cant think which one it is, Nitrite or Nitrate at the moment but I know I tested for the correct one) and the PH Balance seeemed a bit high, 7.6 ish. to be safe I did a high level PH test on the tank water and it came out around 7.4 so I am guessing its around 7.5 somewhere... Now I tested my tap water and it came out neutral, what could cause my tank waters PH to increase?

For my cycle, even if I am not detecting Ammonia or Nitrite should I still do a small water change? 10-15%? or should I wait till I get a detectable amount? I am going away for two days and I dont want the chemicals to spike and hurt my fish so can I be on the safe side and do a small water change before I go?

Thanks everyone!
 
My pH is comes out of my tap at 7.6 to 8.0 and settles down to around 7.3 pH. I can't really explain what makes pH change like that, but I do not think its unsafe for your fish. Especially bettas are good at handling less then prime water conditions (sitting in unmoving cups of water for weeks). Keep an eye on your pH through the next few weeks. If your fish seem stressed then maybe do something about it, but for now I'd leave it as it is.

How long has your tank been set up and cycling? this process can take anywhere from 2-5 weeks depending on the setup.
 
About 5 days, waited a day before putting my Betta in. He seems perfectly fine, chasing bubbles from the airstone, playing in the current of the filter, pestering the ghost shrimp and constantly search the gravel for food like a bottom feeder...

So you think as long as it reads 0 Ammonia and 0 Nitrite tonight it will be ok for a couple days or should I change a little bit of the water?
 
hmmm... only 5 days... I would guess your cycle hasn't even really started yet. like i said usually takes a few weeks.

I would expect there to be some sort of ammonia and nitrite increase in the next few days. That is whats supposed to happen in new aquariums. Water changes won't really do a whole lot other then take away some of the ammonia that may build from the excess food and betta poop. However, ammonia is exactly what you need to kickstart your cycle into action.

It's a little gamble, but I'm willing to bet your betta could make it those two days. If he dies, don't blame me. hehe.
 
I figure he can... I mean, how long do they survive in those little tiny cups with fish flakes floating around and water dirty as anything... I would assume the Ammonia is MUCH higher in that little cup then in a 10 gallon aquarium... Ill take a gamble I just wont feed him for those two days, he seems to be getting alittle fat anyhow. Hope he doesn't eat the shrimp :P
 
as long as you test the ammonia nitrites daily and change water as needed you should be okay.

try to keep ammonia and nitrites below.25
 
star_rider said:
as long as you test the ammonia nitrites daily and change water as needed you should be okay.

try to keep ammonia and nitrites below.25
Click to expand...

Can't test em when I am away for two days, thats why I asked if I should do a small water change before I go away or if that will only delay the cycle.
 
if you're still coming up with 0 ammonia and nitrite readings before you leave, I wouldn't bother doing a water change.
 
what ^ says

if you are showing 0 ammonia and nitrites you should be fine..
but in essence a water change should have no effect.

what is your water change schedule like?
 
star_rider said:
what ^ says

if you are showing 0 ammonia and nitrites you should be fine..
but in essence a water change should have no effect.

what is your water change schedule like?
Click to expand...

Dont have one yet, I was going to wait until some Ammonia and Nirtrites show up before I make a water change.
 
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