Recent content by IrishMom

I'm starting to feel like one needs and advanced degree in chemistry to keep even a betta! Here's my log so far. This is my most recent pH test, which has me very confused. Regular pH on the left and two high range pH on the right. Taken at the same time. Center vial was taken from deeper in...

Oh great - so I've probably made it worse! I had read that volcanic basalt was inert. So thought it was a good pick. Well, I'll monitor pH closely and see how it goes.

Ok, thank you. I will do this, log it and see what I learn. I did go ahead and change the substrate (Eco-Complete volcanic basalt) just in case it's the culprit, and put some driftwood and lava rock in. I left just a bit of the colored rock in for my daughter. I think it looks good!

Ok wow! You're right. The pH this morning before I turned the light on is normal. Poor fish! I have not yet used fertilizer. Would that help or hurt the issue? Also did a test with just gravel and my bottled water overnight and the pH is also normal, right around 7.2.

Yes I've been vacuuming the gravel with each water change, but also got the filter going really low by covering the outlet with a piece of panty hose. Fish seems happy with the flow!

Ok, I will thanks. Trying to research gravel now. It is the Fluval Spec V light, LED. My kiddo loves the submarine and the betta seems to as well. I do need something tall for the tank obviously now that I've removed the fake plants it looks terrible. So I'll see if I can find some decent...

Thanks Byron. It's just Tetra glofish gravel. They don't have any info on their website regarding what it is. So I guess I'll just replace it and go from there. Hope I don't start a nitrogen cycle when I remove it!!

Ok I'm doing semi well, but have one last lingering issue. The water is about 7.2 in the Ozarka bottles. Something is raising the pH of the water inside the tank. As I've done several water changes and the tank is still around 8.4. I took plastic plants out. I have 6 live plants. I've tried...

Well I researched Ozarka yesterday which seems to be all water with nothing added according to their literature. Replaced most of the tank water with it (still treated with a Prime). Tested water quality over a few hours and all looked good. Might just stick with this if it stays working well...

Thanks! I'll check it out. Would be good to know for my houseplants also.

Thank you so much. I am not sure I have a way to get water before it goes through the softener. I would have to investigate. My local fish store had assured me it wouldn't be a problem. Shows what they know - eyeroll. Anyway, long story short, Petco staff and literature suggest spring water for...