Water Problems

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RAINBOWROAD

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Feb 12, 2004
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I have been trying to lower the pH and Nitrite levels for the past week. I did a complete water change on 1-27-04 because I took out my under gravel filter and replaced the plastic plants with live ones. I then did a 25% water change on 2-3-04 and 2-9-04. All changes were made with bottled spring water. I have a 20 gallon tank with a large outside filter rated to up to 50 gallons. I feed Tetra Min Flakes and Granules daily and frozen brine shrimp 2 to 3 times a week. Below you will find my readings as well as the additives I have tried to lower both the Nitrite and pH levels. I would like to get the Ph to around 6.8. I have also added 2 tablespoons of aquarium salt to help with stress on my fish which seem fine at this time and very active. Can you help me out?
Mike

Tempreture- 76 degrees
pH - 7.4
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 1+

2-03-04 AmQuel+ by Kordon 2 teaspoons / 20 gals daily.
2-09-04 Cycle by Nutrafin - 20 Ml / 20 gals daily.
2-10-04 pH Down by Aquarium Pharmacuticals 40 drops / 20 gals daily.
2-10-04 Aquarium Salt 2 tablespoons / 20 gals.
2-12-04 Easy Balance by Tetra Aqua 4 teaspoons / 20 gals
All required ammounts:sad
 
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Yah, don't mess with the pH. It is fine as is- no reason to change it. Target pH values are not necessary - a steady one is. Trying to change it results in swings which ARE harmful to the fish. I also think its better to avoid dumping chemicals in your tank (for the most part).


As for lowering the nitrite, I wouldn't waste money on products for it. You just need to let the tank cycle. In the meantime, water changes will relieve you of the nitrites....I assume you mean nitrites and not nitrates?

Also, why are you using bottled water? Is there a problem with your tap water?
 
Just some thoughts on the PH, from my own experience, I had an Oscar tank in a home with very high PH out of the tap, I can't remember the numbers but it was 8+, for months I fought with it using buffer chemicals, and it was almost impossible to cange and keep stable, I eventually worked out a system to keep it stable and mix new water for water changes. Then I had a busy spell with work and the kids, and the tank maintenance didn't go as it should have. To make a long story short. I discovered that the fish were just as happy, and I didn't have to do all of the work or buy the expensive chemicals. Unless there is some deep seated reason why you absolutely need a 6.8, save yourself a lot of trouble and money, and you will save your fish some stress as well. 7.4 seems like a great number to me, there are very few fish that wouldn't do well in that range.
 
Your pH isn't coming down because your treating it with chemicals. That's a never ending game you won't win. You should read RTR's article on water chemistry before you try to monkey with it any further. Its a pretty complex situation that is not easily altered.

http://www.tomgriffin.com/aquasource/hardwater.shtml

Besides, I agree with the others that your pH is fine, even admirable. The only reason to change it would be if you were putting a very delicate fish in the tank. Most fish will adapt to what ever water you put them in and will appreciate a stable pH over the yo-yo process of changing to a specific pH.

The addition of salt to a healthy fresh water tank is a very debatable topic. I've found that most of the people whose opinions I respect and trust on this forum use salt only for the treatment of disease. I haven't been able to find a lot of factual support for the idea that salt will be of any benefit to a healthy FW tank. I must also say I haven't found a lot facts supporting the idea that it is wholly bad. Its not a miracle drug.

How long has the tank been running? You're dumping an awful lot of chemicals into this tank in order to get a couple of numbers in the right spot. If this is a cycling tank, its probably best to just let nature take its course as much as it can. Keep up regular water changes to keep the toxins at controllable levels. You can expect to do daily water changes on a cycling tank (if there's fish in it). Water changes are good things.

Tom
 
Thanks for all the advise you all have given.I can see I should be glad to have a pH of 7.4 and need to just wait to let the tank cycle.I will continue to do 20% water changes weekly and stop all the additives to drop levels.You have helped me a lot.Thanks again:p
 
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