Hi Ph Upto 8.5-9 And High Nitrates

[chishnfips]

I checked all my parameters today and all were fine bar the Ph and Nitrates.

The PH is way up at 8.5 - 9 and the nitrates are off the scale. So when I get home tonight I will do a big water change and see if that helps, but I ran out of Nitrate tester today so I cant check the tap water right away.

So I might phone the water board today and see if they can tell me it.

 

[WILDER]

Don't do a large water change it will alter the ph to much just do smaller one's every couple of hours, how many gallons is the tank, plus how many fish and which type.

 

[tttnjfttt]

What's the pH in your tap water? Have you added any new fish lately? How about snails?

 

[chishnfips]

The tap water ph is 7, I have added fish lately, 4 rainbow threadfins and 10 green tetras (false neons).

I dont have any snails in there but was considering trumpet snails.

 

[chishnfips]

any other ideas welcome

 

[WILDER]

Water changes but small one's till you get the nitrate reading down and the ph is back to normal, don't do large water changes as you could alter the ph to quickly causing ph shock and stress to the fish, good luck.

 

[reg2k2]

Some rocks and shells can raise pH. The ones you have listed should be inert, but you might try the 'vinegar test': few drops, see if they fizz. Any new decor?

 

[steelhealr]

Hi...elevated nitrates mean one of several things:
1) overfeeding
2) heavy bioload, or , overstocking
3) inadequate water changes
4) nitrates in your tap water

My tapwater, during summer, once hit 20ppm, mostly from fertilizer runoff.

Having a high pH is unusual, especially if your tap water is in the pH 7 range. I would think that something in your tank maybe swinging the pH. Testing your rocks with vinegar might not be a bad idea.

Frequent 10-20% water changes shouldn't cause a drop in your pH that would shock your fish, but, I wouldn't do it more frequently than q24h. SH

 

[chishnfips]

Cheers for the replies, I am reckoning that it may be some decor that I have put in the tank, so I will have to try the vinegar test.

Also someone mentioned to see if my sand has any lime in it. It shouldn't do as it is silver play sand but I will check.

I have cut feeding as well so I hope this all helps.

cheers