Sudden PH Crash - Fish-in cycle

N

nvladik

AC Members
Nov 10, 2011
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Hey guys, hope someone can have some advise for me. I set up a new tank 2nd of Jan, ran it on just water + substrate for a week and a half.

On 15th I added first fish to start the cycle, 4 swordtails and 3 cherry barbs and some plants. Readings were:
  • PH: 7.2
  • Amonia: 0.25
  • Nitrates and Nitrites: 0
Yesterday, Jan 22, tested the water again:
  • PH: 6.4
  • Amonia: 0.25
  • Nitrates and Nitrites: 0
Any reason for the sudden PH drop? I am using the API test kit, and confirmed the PH yesterday with some stip tests. Strips also had KH test on them, and it's low at 40. Thanks!!!
 
Well first off I would highly suggest reading up on cycling, espeically what fish cycles require. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?84598-Freshwater-cyclingSecond, biological activity within the tank will eat up buffers which can in turn lower the pH.To be honest I would worry less about the pH (unless it ends up dropping below 6.0) and more about ammonia/nitrite build up. What size tank is this?
 
I've been reading up on it, but no definitive information on PH, so not sure if I should worry yet. I am watching amonia and nitrites, and hoping they start growing soon.Tank is 125.
 
What is your tap pH on a sample that sat out overnight in a shallow dish?What kind of substrate are you using?
 
I am using AquariumPlants.com's own: Freshwater Plant Substrate. I don't have a shallow dish PH reading, but will be sure to get that going tonight.
 
Morning all, here's an update from last night. PH dropped to 6.0. Did a water change of about 20g, got it back up to 6.4 (I only had 20g of de-chlorinated water thus the small ammount). Set a sample of tap water overnight and tested this am, PH is 7.2. Should I do another big water change tonight? about 50%?
 
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