Questions about pH?

[reignman40]

I currently have a Betta, 2 ADF's and 6 Cardinal Tetras. I just got a pH kit yesterday that reads 6.0-7.6 so this morning was my first pH test I've done. The pH hit at least 7.6 or off the charts.

I have a few questions. What pH level would be my primary target level with these fish? I have some river rocks that I put in the tank. I will take these out to see if maybe one of those is causing the high level. How often should I test after I take out the rocks? Should I wait to take out the rocks and just do a water change and check again? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Curtis

 

[Kasakato]

You need a High pH test too. Get them at www.bigalsonline.com But while you are getting that also pick up a ammoina, nitrite, and nitrate test kits. There is no real traget pH. This is because fish can take and live in a pH different from the one listed on the web. Untill you get the exact readings there is no way of telling.

 

[Holly9937]

Another thing to do, once you get a high ph test, (or if your lfs will do it) is to test your tap water, and then test it again after letting it sit overnight. Then you can tell if it might be something in your tank

 

[reignman40]

I sort of figured I would need to get a High pH test kit. They actually sell them at PetSmart here so I can easily go pick that up. That's a good idea to test the tap water to make sure it's something in my tank. Should I worry about the pH level the way it is?

Also I do have ammonia, nitrite and nitrate kits already. I test them regularly. (Every couple days right now as the tank is still fairly new, about 3-4 weeks up and running. Cycled with Bio-Spira) Those levels seem to be ok.

Curtis

 

[Kasakato]

Then you have almost everything you need. Just pick up that High range pH test and you are set. As for now, a pH of 7.6 is more or less perfect. And depending on the fish (Not likely to yours) you may need to adjust the pH. This isnet the eaiset thing, and should be advoided.