pH problems in new tiny tank

[pwrflpills]

I've had a 2 gal set-up for a couple weeks now on my desk at work and I've been adding Seachem ph 7.0 Neutral Regulator, but I keep getting readings that the ph is not improving (staying in the mid-6's)! I'm at the point where I'm adding it daily and nothing changes. I don't want to stress the fish by adding tons of additive, but I've already lost one guppy and the second looks like he may be headed in the same direction, besides the fact that I'm sure he's lonely. Advice?

Secondly, if I do lose the second guppy, any ideas for a better fish for such a small tank? I'm thinking 1 male betta.

 

[Xielos]

Ph altering chemicals aren't really needed. It isn't really low/high Ph that kills a fish, its a rapid swing in Ph levels that can kill it. A fish can pretty much adjust to almost any ph.

 

[Blueiz]

The best way to add this product is during a water change. What kind of test our you using, the strip or liquid? You should not have to add this product more than twice with a tank that small. I would say that the reason you are losing fish is because your tank is cycling, not because of the ph stuff. What r youre ammonia and nitrite readings?

 

[pwrflpills]

Thanks guys. I've only ever used the 5 in 1 strips. Ammonia and nitrite are 0. Guess it's the just the fish. It's just so weird when they go from "fine" to dead in a couple days.

 

[Blueiz]

Those five in one test strips are not good for accurate readings. Your ph is probably at 7. Read some of the stickies on cycling, right now I think the ph is the least of your worries unless you did a fishless cycle on your tank.

 

[Pretender]

Most fish will live quite contentedly with a pH from 6 to 8, more certainly within 6.5 to 7.5, but you may not get the to breed without messing with the pH.

I don't think the pH is hurting the fish, but pH swings and change in osmotic pressure from adding chemicals are probably more likely.

I'd quit messing with chemical additives other than the regular clorine/chloramine treatment for tap water (Aquasafe, Prime, Amquel, etc. - you are treating for that, right?), get some decent liquid test kits for ammonia, nitirite and nitrate (I like the Aquarium Pharmaceutical ones) and check elsewhere for problems. Stopping use of the pH adjuster might just fix everything up.

One male Betta would be good for that tank.

 

[knashash]

Most fish will live quite contentedly with a pH from 6 to 8, more certainly within 6.5 to 7.5, but you may not get the to breed without messing with the pH.

I don't think the pH is hurting the fish, but pH swings and change in osmotic pressure from adding chemicals are probably more likely.

I'd quit messing with chemical additives other than the regular clorine/chloramine treatment for tap water (Aquasafe, Prime, Amquel, etc. - you are treating for that, right?), get some decent liquid test kits for ammonia, nitirite and nitrate (I like the Aquarium Pharmaceutical ones) and check elsewhere for problems. Stopping use of the pH adjuster might just fix everything up.

One male Betta would be good for that tank.

Agree...stop using the PH adjuster....your PH is fine and your only causing problems for yourself by using the chemicals.

 

[Holly9937]

A 2g set up would be perfect for a betta, although guppys are small, they should really be kept in larger tanks than a 2g. Maybe your LFS will let you trade up, the guppy for a betta?!?!? :joke: