Is Ph Too High?

[sb_onefish]

I confess, I had a betta for some time before I got a test kit (API master freshwater).

Now that I am testing the water, I have discovered that our tap water is 8.0 to 8.2. Wondering if I might do more harm than good if I start messing around trying to lower it??

 

[ReMz]

bettas can adapt to quite a bit of water conditions.

are you noticing any problems? if not, dont worry about it.

 

[dusky]

mine is 8.0 in all 22 of my tanks, did a check on tap water and that's the same.

 

[jennybugs]

22 tanks? WOW and there I was thinking I was doing well with 9

My Ph is 7.4 and upwards and my betta seems to be quite happy.

 

[dusky]

lol got more lurking in garden , just no room in house now

 

[sb_onefish]

bettas can adapt to quite a bit of water conditions.

are you noticing any problems? if not, dont worry about it.

This poor fish has been from a cup at Wal-Mart to a one gallon bowl to a 2.5 gallon (uncycled) tank, since June. Got a stubborn case of fin rot. Treated with Bettafix & salt for a week, then 5 days with Maracyn + Maracyn 2. No more deterioration of fins but don't see any regrowth yet either. Betta is not real active but eats with gusto. Has only built bubble nest once or twice since going into the new tank. Not sure if it's the fin rot, water quality, doesn't like the flow from the filter or what.

Twice a week I have been changing out 1 gallon of water and vaccing gravel. Just added a heater last night and am creeping the tank temp up to 78.

 

[ReMz]

bettas can adapt to quite a bit of water conditions.

are you noticing any problems? if not, dont worry about it.

This poor fish has been from a cup at Wal-Mart to a one gallon bowl to a 2.5 gallon (uncycled) tank, since June. Got a stubborn case of fin rot. Treated with Bettafix & salt for a week, then 5 days with Maracyn + Maracyn 2. No more deterioration of fins but don't see any regrowth yet either. Betta is not real active but eats with gusto. Has only built bubble nest once or twice since going into the new tank. Not sure if it's the fin rot, water quality, doesn't like the flow from the filter or what.

Twice a week I have been changing out 1 gallon of water and vaccing gravel. Just added a heater last night and am creeping the tank temp up to 78.

The problems aren't due to the PH. Stress can bring on disease, especially when coupled with poor water conditions. Sometimes it just happens though. Don't worry about a bubble nest as measure of health/happiness. It is true that bettas make nests when they are happy, but some never do.

Bettafix and salt won't stop finrot usually (as you probably found out). Use the bettafix now to encourage fin regrowth and use salt to prevent further problems.

There are a few methods for killing the filter flow. Using pantyhose over the intake of the filter is one method. The other method involves cutting up a plastic bottle and diffusing the current. I can't find a link to the DIY. I'll keep looking around.

edit: here ya go http/www.petfish.net/kb/entry/347/

 

[dusky]

tubi grip is good for killing filter flow. you know the stuff you put on sprained wrist , ankle etc and just off the topic it also makes a good dirt bag if you attach it to one of the battery operated cleaners as i find the bags you get with them too tiny when cleaning big tanks. I just tie a knot on bottom and fix it on with elastic band. But if puting on a filter cut a thin strip off and tie it on as I don't know if elastic bands would have any ill effects.

 

[sb_onefish]

The filter is a Tetra Whisper. This one:
http/www.tetra-fish.com/sites/tetrafish/...276&cid=280

It came with the tank. It has an adjustment which is turned all the way down and I keep the water level right up the the lip so water isn't pouring back in any harder than necessary. I have extra filter media jammed in there (cuz the filter cartridge is "disposable"; throw out the whole thing monthly and put in a shiny new one, according to Tetra). Ceramic pellets on one side of the cartridge and a sponge on the other, which did slow it down some.

Not much clearance under that teeny tank hood to try and rig up a baffle on the outflow. Maybe some restriction on the inflow? If I come up with something I'll have to learn how to post pics.

I have recently put in a bigger plant right in front of the outflow to diffuse it, and a rock with a tunnel thru it turned sideways to the current for "refuge". He goes in there a lot.

Thanks for the help and ideas! Seems like the PH isn't my problem, it's healing damage from the "bad water" days and reducing stress.

 

[ReMz]

The filter is a Tetra Whisper. This one:
[URL="http/www.tetra-fish.com/sites/tetrafish/...276&cid=280"]http/www.tetra-fish.com/sites/tetrafish/...276&cid=280[/URL]

I have one of those filters in a 5 gallon with no problem using a few layers of pantyhose on the intake and securing them with a rubber band. I can see how it might be a bit strong for a 2.5 gallon though. Sounds like you have the right idea with diffusing the current though. Try out the pantyhose trick.

Although on second thought.... it seems that you would have lowered the current enough for it not to be a problem. I wouldn't worry too much unless you see your betta hiding away from the current constantly with clamped fins.

As you said, just keep the stress down and water clean.

If you want to post pictures, you can upload them at imageshack.us and then copy/paste the forum link right into your posts