Ph 8.2 Is This Too High?

[friendsnotfood]

Hi

I have just tested my high level ph (hadnt tested ph for a while) and its 8.2, my normal tap water is around 7. What causes it to be higher in my tank and are my fish ok with it?
I have 3 cardinal tetra and 1 guppy (i did buy 2 guppies last week, but one died about 3 days after- could this be to do with ph or just stress of move).
Otherwise my water is good, my tank has been cycled for a couple months now and consistantly reads ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate 10.

Do i have cause for concern? I am aware that you only touch ph levels if absolutely necessary.

Help appreciated, thanks

 

[Livewire88]

Hello,

As you are allready aware a PH level of 8.2 is high, my tap water also has a PH level of 8.2 and my Cardinals seem to do fine.

Messing with you PH level is not good for your fish, it is more improtant to keep your PH level consistantly the same so dont worry to much

 

[Aquascaper]

What decor do you have in the tank?

 

[deftuch]

id say its fine dude. i have a ph of 8 in tap and tank water. i have cichlids, rainbow fish, cories, angels ect. ive always monitered my ph and its always been the same. my fish are very happy. i have a pair of angels ( believed to be whats known as a false pair ) but a pair none the less. my cories breed, but the eggs get ate too quickly by other fish. my rainbows display brilliant colors and flash just like they want to breed. so my fish seem happy in that ph. ive always thought of 6.5 to 8.5 to be an acceptable ph range. below or over is not a popular ph of choice by fish in the wild. rainbows have said to be found in ph as low as 5 and as high as nine. theres much speculation over there fav water. but one article once said the best range for rainbows is between 7.7 and 8.5 which is what i have. as long as you keep stable ph levels and clean water youl be fine

 

[CameronN]

I'd stick a piece of driftwood in to slowly lower it if you are worried. But it's not through the roof or anything.

 

[Aquascaper]

What decor do you have in the tank?

If your tap water is significantly lower then there must be something in the tank causing the raised alkalinity. By simply removing it your pH will adjust accordingly, no needs to add anything.

 

[friendsnotfood]

All i have in my tank (besides the filter and heater obviously) are 3 small plants (i have no idea what ones) and 2 decorations, one rubbery looking false reef thing and another alien (painted type) statue (my sons choice).

Thanks

 

[Aquascaper]

It could possibly be to do with the plants and dissolved co2 levels but I'm not a plant person so couldn't say for sure.

 

[mossonthemoon]

What kind of substrate are you using? Some are crushed coral (for example), which can affect pH.

 

[friendsnotfood]

I am using blue coloured gravel (just the standard stuff you buy by the bag). I followed the instuctions about rinsing it all through before putting it in.

Thanks