High Alkaline Levels In Tank

[neesymac]

Hi all,

I bought a fish tank 4 weeks ago, and the aquarium shop have been great but they are stumped as to why the alkaline level in my tank has just got higher over the passed 2 weeks.

Can any of you give any advice???

It has been through a nitrite cycle and has gone back to normal

It's just when they test the water the tap water is fine, but the tank water is bright blue when tested

Thanks in advance

 

[donna123]

hi neesy
if you get a mod to move your post to begginer questions you may get more help on there,
best of luck and welcome to tff donna .

 

[neesymac]

Hi Donna,

How would i get a mod to move my post???

Thanks for the welcome

 

[donna123]

hi again,
you can ask william or cfc,
they can be found at the top section above your post,in the section,topic starter just send a pm private message and they should be able to help you.donna.

 

[Bloo]

to TFF.
What is your pH at the moment (obviously the higher your pH, the more alkaline your water) ?

Ps: I've "reported" this post and asked it to be moved for you

 

[neesymac]

to TFF.
What is your pH at the moment (obviously the higher your pH, the more alkaline your water) ?

Ps: I've "reported" this post and asked it to be moved for you

Thanks Bloozoo - i am unsure what my PH is as the local fish shop tests it for me every week, all i know is my tap water is a bluey/green colour and my tank water is bright blue

Sorry if that doesn't help you much

 

[Bloo]

Nope - that really doesn't help at all I'm afraid Next time you go, ask you shop to tell you exactly what it is. I wouldn't be overly concered, as most fish easily adapt to quite a range of conditions. To try and adjust your pH is not easy and can cause more stress for your fish than is worth.

This might be a bit much for you right now, but a very useful article on pH, kH & gH of water.

Just a thought: but what type of gravel are you using (or sand) ? Do you have any rocks or decorations in the tank that has not been bought from a fish shop ?

 

[neesymac]

I will ask then next time i go -

The only things in my tank are just normal gravel - i only put one bag in and 2 1/2 weeks ago i added the other bag.

I also had a plant but that had horrid snail things on it so i took it out.

I was told to take the little concrete bridge out to see if that has cause lime to leak into the tank and i will get it checked again this Saturday

Can i buy anymore fish when my alkaline is so high?

 

[Bloo]

How big is your tank ? What fish do you have at the moment ?

 

[neesymac]

I have 2 spotted Molly's and i platty (excuse the spelling)

 

[riverman444]

We really need to know the exact Ph of your water. My tap water is over 8. I bought a Brita filter and added it to my tap and brought it down A LOT.

You could try adding a piece of driftwood, but learn from my mistakes and soak it in hot water for a while to leech our some of the "darkness" called tannins. Driftwood is an excellent media to lower Ph.

 

[phlawed]

We really need to know the exact Ph of your water. My tap water is over 8. I bought a Brita filter and added it to my tap and brought it down A LOT.

You could try adding a piece of driftwood, but learn from my mistakes and soak it in hot water for a while to leech our some of the "darkness" called tannins. Driftwood is an excellent media to lower Ph.

driftwood will def help soften the water. Im in Texas and our water is from a local lake and its PH straight is around 8.5 even when mixed with filtered water i still ended up with around 7.5-8

 

[neesymac]

If i just usd my britta filter until i can get some driftwood, do you think that will help - I have since been told my tap water is just as high and been given some PH down stuff to put in my tank.

Thanks for all the advice

 

[Bloo]

The only problem with that is, that you might give your fish pH shock - not knowing what the difference in pH between your tank and Britta filter is

Say your tank measures at 8.4 and your Britta filter at 7, that's a huge difference and not good for the fish at all

You really need to get your own pH test kit to know what you're dealing with.