Low Ph During Cycling

[Maxta]

HELP!

I just did a pH check out of curiosity and its around 6.0. Im on day 10 now.

WHAT SHOULD I DO.

I dont want to have to do this cycle all over again!!!

Sorry for not using search function, i have exam this morning therefore no time to spare watching.

Should i do a big water change? Should i get something that will increase pH?

Also i added more ammonia last night at 9pm because my bacteria had ate it all, raise it upto 3 ppm, iv checked this morning 7.30am and the level is 0.25.

Is everything okay apart from my pH? Is a low pH common in cycling?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

pH of 6 is fine, don't worry unless it drops below 5. even if it does it won't stop it cycling completely, just the bacteria that live in pH 5 or less is different to the 'normal' beneficial bacteria. it'll still do the same job and still cycle but it may be a bit slower.

don't go trying to adjust your pH it's a complete nightmare, a low but stable pH is infinitley preferable to a swinging unstable pH.

You may however need to be careful with fish selection but there's plenty of fish that will thrive with a nice low pH. Ian's tank runs at pH of 5.5 and it's never caused any problems

 

[Maxta]

Oh right cool. I was panicing there.

Should i keep a regular check out on my pH from now on to make sure it doesnt drop to lower than 5.0. And if it does, how do i tell? My card only gos down to a reading of 6.0.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

get a pH meter, have a look on ebay, they're about £15.

however if your card only goes down to 6, then it could actually be lower than that. the lowest reading on any test card means the result it gives you or lower, likewise for the top one.

don't panic for now, if your cycle still seems to be progressing then it should be fine, and pH can fluctuate when cycling it's not a massive concern. If your cycle stalls or you get to the end of the cycle and it's still reading 6 then get a pH meter and check what the actual reading is.