Ph Crisis

[nmbrando]

I need help quickly. I have five species aquariums and all are doing well except my tetra tank. The pH level is off the charts and the tank is being consumed by black algae. My neons are dying off one by one, and now my lemons are following suit. Someone told me that the black algae will only grow in acidic water, but that is definitely not the case here. I do 25-50% water changes weekly in all of my tanks, more frequently in this tank now. My tap water is naturally at pH 7.2. I am very wary of putting any chemicals in my tank because of the stress that it puts on the fish, but I need to do something, or I am going to have an empty tank soon. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nmbrando]

Tank size:
Sorry, I missed the form before I posted. Here is all the information that anyone might need

pH: 7.6+++
ammonia: 0 ppm
nitrite: 0 ppm
nitrate: Unknown
kH: Unknown (reservoir water, coastal city)
gH: Unknown
tank temp: 78 F

Fish Symptoms (include full description including lesion, color, location, fish behavior):
Lethargy and death. No gasping or fin deterioration.

Volume and Frequency of water changes:
25-50% weekly, more frequently past two weeks

Chemical Additives or Media in your tank:
Marineland Bio-Wheel 150 with carbon cartridge, Wardley Water Care Chlor-out (as directed)

Tank inhabitants:
von Rios, lemon, and neon tetras

Recent additions to your tank (living or decoration):
Neon tetras

Exposure to chemicals:
None


Like I said in the previous post, I care for all of my aquariums the same way and the tetra tank is the only one that I am having problems with. All of the other tanks (all livebearers) are thriving. Please help!

 

[ab420]

I had a similar situation a while back. I got something called pH Down (they also make pH Up) it comes in a little plastic jar-like container and costs under $2. It's just a white powder, and you mix it with some new (dechlorinated) water and add it to the tank. The key is to following the instructions carefully on how much to use per 5 gallons, and figure it out for your tank. After you do it, wait 24 hrs, test again, and if you need to repeat, but make sure you don't change it too quickly or that will stress the fish.

Algae can raise the pH in your tank I believe, so that may be the cause of the problem. Does the tank get a lot of light? Either natural or artificial, this will increase the algae, so limited light may help.


Also... certain types of rock, coral, and shells can raise pH, have you added any of these recently?

 

[Boxermom]

Using a chemical like pH Up or Down is not recommended. It causes too much of a pH swing and will kill fish faster than a too high or too low yet stable pH will. Swings are dangerous. There are much safer ways.

If all things are equal in your tanks, then there shouldn't be that big of a difference in the pH levels.

Here's a great resource, one of the best I know of, for algae issues: http/www.aquariaplants.com/alqaeproblems.htm

 

[Griz]

You say your pH is 7.6+++. Does that mean that this is as high as your kit will measure?

7.6 or so is not really that high for tetras unless is was a very sudden change. A 1/3 water change should really bring you back to a measurable level. If it doesn't, I would continue with frequent changes and maybe buy a kit that can measure it. (if that's the case)

I would avoid using any chemicals. If your tap pH is 7.2, frequent changes should bring your tank pH back down.

How long has the tank been running and what sort of lighting do you have? (This may help in solving the algae problem)

 

[nmbrando]

I've had the chemical pH adjustors for previous tanks, but did not like them because of the dramatic swings in pH. Plus, then they have to be used for every subsequent water change to keep the pH constant. The tank has been running for over a year, but the black algae only started growing about a month ago. The tank is not in any direct sunlight and is lit with fluorescent hood for approximately 8 hours a day. There were shells in there, but I took them out when I noticed that the pH had gone through the roof. They had been in there since the beginning of the tank and not caused any problems before, but better safe than sorry. All things are equal as far as my routine goes with all of tanks, but the conditions of this tank do not mirror any of my other tanks. I am totally confused!