Finaly Got A Test Kit.

Binge

Fish Crazy
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So I finaly got a test kit and my numbers are all way off. PH is way low for most of my fish. Nitrites are way high and so is nitrate. I did just realize that some how my filter cartridge had become blocked so I pulled it and will get a new one tomarrow to test again tomarrow night. However the current readings are kind of scary so any advice on fixing them would be good.

ammonia: .25ppm
Nitrite: 5.0ppm
nitrate: 80ppm
PH: 6.8
 
You need to get ammonia and nitrite as close to zero as possible asap!

80-90% dechlorinated temp matched water change and then test the water again after 30 mins.
Change more water till you get 0ppm or as close to it for ammonia and nitrite.
Looks like you are in a fish in cycling scenario.

Post details of your set up.
Tank size, filter type and its contents, temperature, what fish you have and how long they have been in there and have you had any losses?

What have you done with the filter cartridge?
 
You might want to check your tap water too, this may contain lots of nitrates!
What sort of test kit have you got, paper or liquid, liquids are much more accurate...
 
Hi

I am not all that experienced myself, but your numbers make it clear that your filter is not cycled. You need to immediately do a vary large water change to bring down the ammonia and nitrite levels to as close to zero as possible. Before you throw out the old tank water give the blocked filter cartridge a swish out in the water - this might just solve the blockage problem.

Remember to dechlorinate the new water and match the temperature as close as you can. Test the water a few minutes after the change and again later today - you will probably need to do another change this evening. This is all just first aid - the levels will keep rising until the filter can cope with the ammonia your fish produce.

You also need to read the articles on fish-in cycling in the beginners resource centre at the top of this sub-forum, and if you can't rehome your fish you may be getting a lot of water changing practice. It may all sound like hard work but it is the best way to keep your fish alive.

I am no expert but it may be that pH is the least of your worries right now, but maybe one of the more experienced members can tell you about that. It would really help if you can give more info about he tank -size, volume, filter type, how long it has been set up, number and type of fish, tap water stats, type of test kit etc. All this will help get some helpful adviice on the way to you.

good luck!
 
It is a 29 gallon tank and is my first set up I made the mistake of listening to the LFS and jumped right in with occupants a day afetr set up. it has been up about 6 weeks. I have not had a loss in a couple weeks now some I figured it had stabled out. guess I was wrong. All of my occupants currently seem happy with the tank None are acting stressed or wierd that I can see. I will do a water change though I have been doing them once a week for the last 3 weeks after I did a 60 % the second week in when I lost a couple feeder comets I got to learn with and see just how aggressive my lobsters are.

In the tank is roughly
Occupants:
2 blue lobsters (6 weeks)
2 mollys (3 weeks)
4 guppys(two male two female)(4weeks)
3 tetras(3weeks)
1 feeder comet (5 weeks)
6 ghost shrimp (6weeks)
3 mystery snails(5weeks)

29 gallon tank
Penguin 200 filter with a bio wheel.
76 degrees
Gravel substrate

I will do the tests again in a few hours after the water change Im am about to do settles.
 
Forget about the NitrAte & pH for now.

The Ammonia & NitrIte are dangerously high, you need to do a massive water change ASAP. Suck out so much water that the fish can barely swim then refill. Leave for 30 mins & test again.


AT
 
Did the water change about 2 hours ago and the current numbers are
PH: 7.0
Ammonia: .25ppm
Nitrite: .25ppm
nitrate: 20ppm

The ammonia was close to the yellow of zero but had a hint of green to it so I read it as the .25 but I dont think it is quite there if that makes any sense.
 

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