New Tank, Bad Water?

[LHann]

I started a new 15g tank 3.5 weeks ago. On day 2 I added a couple minnows to start the water cycle. They did not survive overnight. Waited 10 days,added some fish food to see if that would help start the cycle. The water started to get a little cloudy a couple days into this. On the 11th day I tried to add another minnow but it also did not survive overnight. The water was cloudy for about 2 weeks but now is clear.

I did add conditioner to neutralize the chlorine and heavy metals. Our water is city well water and is very hard. We do have a water softener for our home. Should I consider adding chemicals at this point to stabilize the water ph or do something else? I tested the tap and tank water - both have a high ph.

Here are my test results:
Nitrates-20
Nitrites-.5
Hardness-75
Total Alkalinity-300ppm
PH-9.0
Ammonia-0

 

[Althamon]

I am fairly new to this myself but can already see the water is looking too alkaline as most fish tolerate a pH between 6 and 8 so try getting hold of some distilled water to bring down the pH and you will need to bring down nitrites and nitrates as well.

Hope this helps

 

[elisew]

Hi, welcome to the forum

Firstly, as you have a level of nitrites showing on your results, it`s important that you do a minimum of 50-60% water change asap.

Secondly, instead of inundating you with information on my reply, I would refer you to the beginners resource area here:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/

There is a lot of information relating to cycling your tank, you`re in a 'fish-in cycle' now and it`s very important that you read as much as you can to ensure your fish no longer suffer and you will hopefully end up with a healthy, happy tank

 

[LHann]

My tank is currently without fish. I do not want to add any until i get the water condition stablized. (ph and other)

 

[KittyKat]

My tank is currently without fish. I do not want to add any until i get the water condition stablized. (ph and other)

First you need to cycle the tank, have you read the information in the resource centre we pointed you to? If you don't want to have fish dieing on you, then your best option is to fishless cycle.

Your pH and hardness are high, but it is not the end of the world. Tell us what decor you have in the tank? What type of rock? Substrate? etc.

 

[LHann]

Gravel is standard black aquarium gravel. I have several plastic aquarium plants. 3 small quartz rocks. That's about it.