Tank cycled but....

Sportsnutim

Sportsnutim

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Jan 1, 2007
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Western Washington
I am assuming since my tank parameters are ok now I need to do a water change. My only concern is my PH seems to be low, it is 6.0 should it be around 6.4-6.6? If 6.0 is ok should I be putting more Discus buffer in with the water change? My guess is yes; if so how much? Ok for new fish now? The Black Neon Tetras are doing great. Sportsnutim
 
To offer a definitive answer, we'll need a lot more detail about your cycle (type, duration, current readings), water (source, pH, any other info available), what you've been adding etc.

Generally, I'd suggest a large PWC and let the pH take care of itself. Since you're concerned, take a pH reading of your tap water after it has sat out for several hours (to let any Cl2 gas off). If you're committed too using the buffer, you should probably already have a good idea of what it takes to match pH between replacement water & tank water. If a PWC won't bring the pH in line, add more buffer to tank, but do it SLOWLY (shoot for <1/2 pH unit per day). Once you're set, be careful about pH adjusting your replacement water for changes & replace evaporated water w/ RO (if you're still really concerned about pH).

Of course, this advise is all null and void if you're using CO2 injection to aid plant growth (another one of those pesky details that should be included).
 
Squawkbert said:
To offer a definitive answer, we'll need a lot more detail about your cycle (type, duration, current readings), water (source, pH, any other info available), what you've been adding etc.

Generally, I'd suggest a large PWC and let the pH take care of itself. Since you're concerned, take a pH reading of your tap water after it has sat out for several hours (to let any Cl2 gas off). If you're committed too using the buffer, you should probably already have a good idea of what it takes to match pH between replacement water & tank water. If a PWC won't bring the pH in line, add more buffer to tank, but do it SLOWLY (shoot for <1/2 pH unit per day). Once you're set, be careful about pH adjusting your replacement water for changes & replace evaporated water w/ RO (if you're still really concerned about pH).

Of course, this advise is all null and void if you're using CO2 injection to aid plant growth (another one of those pesky details that should be included).
Click to expand...

Don't fret the PH. If it's off a little don't worry about it. The fish will adapt. If it's way off then there is a problem. But if it's off a little don't mess with it.
 
Info...

PH as I said 6.0 Nitrates 0, Nitrites 0, Ammonia 0. Live plants-eventually I am putting C02 in for plants, by next month I hope and a better light set up. Discus maybe next month (Feb) that is. The plants are hanging on; they are going to need more help other than plant nutrients and single 40watt 10000k bulb. I am going to verify my tap water parameters then do a par H20 change 1/3. Duration info I have checked parameters daily, started cycle four weeks ago or so. Put medium to help cycle three weeks ago. Biozyme to assist.
 
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is this tank unstocked?

if unstocked

how are you supplying food for the bacteria? you say planted..is this tank heavily planted?

I am a bit concerned with the pH of 6 if the pH is too low the tank may have problems cycling.
 
I think he's fishy cycling w/ black neons.

At this stage, I think pH 6 is nothing to worry about... Think of it as insurance against NH3 spikes when you add more fish.
 
ahh..missed that
would have to add fish slowly to prevent big spikes(small spikes are unavoidable)

but 0 nitrates??
 
I'll check Nitrates again

I don't use test strips only use the liquid test kit. I checked my tap water everything is fine except the PH is really high 7.8 so putting my Discus buffer is probably a good idea when complete the H20 change. I am considering putting just two Bristlenose's in the tank you think this alright? Like I said the Discus are later I will probably get just two: see how they do before I put any more in the 55 gal tank; should be fine after I get the plants 8-10 plants already in the tank doing well? I would like to put more plants after I get the right lighting and C02? Sportsnutim
 
wow pH 7.8 from tap then 6.0 in the tank

that is a substantial drop.
did you test the tap after letting it sit out?

some times the water needs to offgas

you may also want to check into kH/gH testing.

is the water running thru any filters before adding to the tank. (RO filter or water softener)
 
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