PH strips

[scott foster]

Does anybody have much trust in these strips? Until now everytime I checked my water the color code matched the good level. I have african cichlids and they seem to be very healthy (I know ph should be a little on the high side for these fish) I checked last night and the strip says my ph is low. And the africans seem to be as happy and healthy as ever. And how can I raise the ph without using chemicals?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

what are the numbers? i use liquid test kits. so many people say the strips are not accurate. i think its best to have a stable ph. swinging ph will cause more prolems then a little higher or lower then is said what the fish likes.

 

[blkwdw13]

I have to agree with Mgamer completely.

 

[scott foster]

they have always been betweem 7.2 and 7.8 according to the strip. but it was between 6.8 and 7.2 last night. however it has been along time since i have checked it.............how can i raise it without chemicals........remember were talking about african cihlids...........im scared its gonna get to low.........but like i said they seem fine.

 

[Rbishop]

Also, please tell us your normal water change routine on that tank, how much, how often, do you gravel vac, what size tank, how many and what kind of fish? Thanks.

 

[scott foster]

12 african cihlids 55 gal. 15% or 20% water change about every other week all of them with a gravel vac..,,,,,,,,,,,,I just checked my 20gal. salt water tank and all the color codes were perfect on salt water chart. so i checked my tap water and the ph was a little low for fresh water. then i checked my fresh water and the ph is actually lower than the tap water????????is this normal? i am getting worried now......think maybe i put to much cihlid salt in there?........i dont know if its my imagination but it seems like my fish are swimming slower and lower..........somebody please give me some advice??????souuld i get some chemical? i hate the idea of putting chemicals in there..........would more cihlid salt help? or hurt?,,,,,,,,,,,,im about to panic at this point. :thud: .........MAN I LOVE THEM LITTLE FISH.........

 

[Rbishop]

Hang in there Scott, keep it simple.

If all you have is the test strips, give us the current pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings on your 55 gal cichlid tank.

Then those same readings on your tap water, after it sits for about 20 minutes in a shallow dish.

Take it a step at a time.

 

[scott foster]

Hang in there Scott, keep it simple.

If all you have is the test strips, give us the current pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings on your 55 gal cichlid tank.

Then those same readings on your tap water, after it sits for about 20 minutes in a shallow dish.

Take it a step at a time.

Thanks for your help.............I just used my last strips on those three test...........I am going in the morning to get some more. might get one of those kits you guys keep talking about..................the strips i had was about 6 or 8 months ago.......maybe they were not right......THANK YOU so much for your advice......I will post about my new readings ok???please dont for get about me on this one. I AINT PUTTING NO CHEMICALS IN THERE THAT AINT NATURAL IF I CAN HELP IT. Am I right having this attitude?.....................Any brand of strips? should I go ahead and pay the bucks for the kit? :read:

 

[Rbishop]

Have a Pet Co or Pet Smart near you? Check out their on line price, print the page out. Chances are you will save a bundle since they will match their stores online price in the store.

Go for the AP master liquid test kit.

You could be having a buffer problem from not enough frequent water changes. Do a 20% tonight, just to help.
Skip the salt.


Won't forget you, lot's of help here, from all. And you can always PM me.

 

[scott foster]

Have a Pet Co or Pet Smart near you? Check out their on line price, print the page out. Chances are you will save a bundle since they will match their stores online price in the store.

Go for the AP master liquid test kit.

You could be having a buffer problem from not enough frequent water changes. Do a 20% tonight, just to help.
Skip the salt.


Won't forget you, lot's of help here, from all. And you can always PM me.

:hang:

Thanks I am gonna take youe advice. I have a couple of online store catalog I think petsmart will match those too.....Did not know petco also did this.....I am gonna do this tomorrow...............Again THANKS.