rising pH issues

[aquariumfishguy]

Without even getting the pH levels, I'd be willing to bet the guppies didnt die from your pH. But yes, we could help more if we knew what your pH was. Often times, people report that they have a high pH and it's only 7.4-7.6. This is average, more so than people think. In reality, very few people actually have a dreamers pH of 7.0.

 

[RTR]

In my mumble-mumble years of fish keeping, I have never had neutral or acid tap water. If I wanted to breed blackwater fish, I have had to do radical water mods. PITA, and expensive.

 

[credenza]

I was curious why some fish would prefer acidic water under normal circumstances or even for breeding which is probably true for the majority of species. As a layperson I would imagine alkali is better than acid.

 

[RTR]

The fish originate from soft acidic water in rain forest streams and rivers and flood plains. When you evolve in an environment you adapt to it. The adult fish can adapt to other water conditions, but the egg membranes may not be receptive to sperm in harder or alkaline water (essentially the membranes are toughened) or if fertilized, they are too tough for the fry to break out of to hatch.

 

[credenza]

Thanks much, RTR !!