Water Quality Questions

[Soulcoffr]

The tank pH is the least of his problems. The problem is overstocking and lack of water changes. Which actually might be contributing to a drop in pH. And messing around with water chemistry is rarely a stable proposition in most cases. It takes some experience to be able to do that and in most cases, fish are acclimatized to local water conditions.

 

[jlennon]

What size tank would be more appropriate for my clown loach? Maybe I'll just get a bigger tank, i was looking at a 46 gallon bowfront. Would that be more sufficient for the loach and the gouramis? Or do I need even bigger. Money is an issue but I've seen some on sale at petsmart and petco for around $250 - $300.

I'd really prefer not to have to return any fish and would consider a second larger tank being cycled and moving the fish over to that.

 

[gatotsu77]

For clown loaches, you will need something more like a 200+ gallon tank. They need to be in a school (at least 4-5) and get very large. (in excess of 12-14") A 46g tank would be fine for a few gouramis, but not nearly large enough once the clown loaches begin growing. Unfortunately, a $300 budget will not afford a sufficient environment for clown loaches. If you can not provide an adequate home, please return the fish, or give it to a friend of yours who has the sufficient environment to care for it.

 

[J double R]

i would strongly disagree. trying to modify existing water chemistry often leads to instability and bigger problems. you can't just 'lower' your pH ... there are other considerations such as buffer capacity which are at issue. you are almost always better off leaving your chemistry alone.

better yet, just listen to this man. i bet at least 300-400 of those posts in his post count are just telling people to leave their pH alone. you think he would stress a point like that if it was moot? i think not.

 

[jlennon]

Well since the 8.0 pH is the pH of my water source, theres not much I can do to change that. Other than to add some type of filtration system at home. While this may be a good idea for keeping specific types of fish, I'm pretty sure its not required in my case.

I did try using some pH power additive once to lower pH to 7.0 but all that ever did was make my water cloudy for days.

 

[jlennon]

Also, since everyone keeps telling me to get rid of the gouramis and the loach since they get too big, what kinds of fish will be able to be kept in my current aquarium without upgrading the size? I'm living in an apartment and I have to make measurements later to even see if I have room for any bigger tank.

How many fish can I have in this tank? What sizes and types would fit best with the setup i have.

The sunburst platy I have looks like shes about to burst. I'm sure shes only fat though, because all the info I've found on platys say that they are only pregnant for about a month before giving birth. Shes been like that for about two months now.

 

[Weezer]

Looking at the amount of fish people are puting in there setups,iam wondering if iam under stocked....My theory is that they will grow...Iam good for now...........