Ph Fluctuating

[Marve99]

Morning all

I am half way through a fish IN cycle (my previous filter died in an established tank- leaving some platys and a Raphael cafish to cycle the new filter)

My Tap is at 7.2, my tank regularly test between 6.4 and 6.6 despite daily water changes of between 20-60% depending on water test results.

Question
1. Is the difference in PH between tap and tank an issue?
If yes, should I remove the bog wood which is currently in my tank?
If yes, what should I use to create hiding places for my fish - I want a natural look?


Thanks

 

[glolite]

Sorry taking so long to answer. Been thinking about this one for ages. How did your old filter die? Did you keep the media or are u starting afresh?

 

[Marve99]

I had become slightly less focused on my fish following the birth of my daughter, but had noticed that fish stocks were dropping (5 neons and a couple of small loach) for a couple of months or so. (At the time I was changing water every 2-3 weeks and not testing!! - I know). I then relaised that filter wool was not as soiled as I would have expected and realsied that the pump was not circulating properly.

I replaced the internal filter with a tetratec ex600 (and threw away the old filter along withe its media ).

I am now re cycling with 3 platy and catfish (poor things, but have been testing 2-3 times a day and changing water whenever levels exceed 0.25 for both ammonia and nitrites - at least once a day for the last 3 weeks)

Thanks

 

[glolite]

Oh bless! I'm surprised you had any spare time after having a babe. Hope everything is going well.


To answer your questions, Water changes of around 25% weekly shouldn't alter the ph too much.

Leave the bogwood in, platys like a ph of 7 to 8 and the talking catfish likes around 7 so adding tapwater will probably help, with conditioner of course.


No harm in adding a few plants in the future for extra hiding places and they keep the algae down.


Take care

Glo

 

[Marve99]

Thanks Glo

I have a few plants already, they seemed to survive filter melt down quite happily!

Baby growing up quickly, loves the fish almost as much as she loves keeping my wife and I up at night !

 

[glolite]

Thanks Glo

I have a few plants already, they seemed to survive filter melt down quite happily!

Baby growing up quickly, loves the fish almost as much as she loves keeping my wife and I up at night !

Babies are good at that! Been there and worn the t-shirt. Frequent cat-naps for you all then

 

[Marve99]

Too busy with water tests and water changes and day dreaming over a bigger tank and more fish to cat nap

 

[glolite]

Oh well, at least you're relaxing a bit.