pH levels and compatability for my Malawi tank.

[Jove]

I have recently had some troubles with my community tank and have since donated some fish back to a friend. Im starting from scratch and going for a Malawi community tank.

So far i have 2 electric yellow in there.

I know these guys prefer a pH of around 7.5 - 8.5 I wanted to put a bristlenose catfish in with them would he be OK or will i need to find a different bottom dweller? If so any recommendations?

 

[1oooop]

here are A FEW
shrimp, snails(don't do a good job of cleaning[but they look cool]),

 

[KarlTh]

pH isn't critical. What's the GH?

 

[Lupin]

Synodontis are much preferred. What size is the tank? Try Malaysian trumpet snails. They also prevent anaerobic pockets on the substrate.

 

[aquarob]

Synodontis are much preferred. What size is the tank? Try Malaysian trumpet snails. They also prevent anaerobic pockets on the substrate.

Hey Lupin, are all "Trumpet" snails the Malay variant or no?

 

[Jove]

In Australia we dont generally use the GH measurement, we use KH in parts per million.

My KH is ~200 ppm, this is about right for Malawi tanks apparently.

Edit: hey i just did some research on KH levels and i discouvered that the product i use 'pH up!"--> http://www.aristopet.com.au/Library/Downloads/Downloadable%20pdf%20files/Product%20Info%20Sheets/AP72%20AP82%20pH%20UpDown%20INFO.pdf

is actually 100% bicarbonate soda. does this mean i can just use the bicarb from my kitchen?

 

[aquarob]

In Australia we dont generally use the GH measurement, we use KH in parts per million.

My KH is ~200 ppm, this is about right for Malawi tanks apparently.

Edit: hey i just did some research on KH levels and i discouvered that the product i use 'pH up!"--> http://www.aristopet.com.au/Library/Downloads/Downloadable%20pdf%20files/Product%20Info%20Sheets/AP72%20AP82%20pH%20UpDown%20INFO.pdf

is actually 100% bicarbonate soda. does this mean i can just use the bicarb from my kitchen?

Yes, regular baking soda works just fine. =)

 

[duke33]

I woud'nt play with the ph levels, just keep it steady.

 

[aquarob]

I woud'nt play with the ph levels, just keep it steady.

No reason to mess with PH really, agreed. Unless you are keeping discus and your water is alkaline as all hell.

 

[Coler]

Don't worry about Ph.

I used to keep synodontis multipunctatus with mine. I found however that a three foot tank was appropriate for 1 only as they are pretty territorial and of my two, the weaker was not getting much food. In a four foot I'd probably do 3, or 1. Anything smaller, just 1.

You can try a bristlenose plec. and have a pretty good chance of it working out nicely.