Ph Has Increased

[Rlon35]

With Inconsistent CO2 distribution, a heavy fertilization schedule, and use of trace elements/substrate tabs, which of these, or what combination thereof, likely increased my PH. How exactly can these processes impact PH and hardness. I am a bit confused on the subject, and I am thinking of adding small amounts of peat to my Fluval 305 during the next change, gradually decreasing the PH and hardness. I was running a consistent 6.8 PH with Moderate hardness, and the LFS measured it at 8 the other day, with it now looking to be neutral. I just purchased a Mardel Live PH in-tank indicator, figuring I could better monitor fluctuations. I am going to add the peat next week, when I remove some of the media, and I am also thinking about using a small amount of carbon again. I have reduce my mechanical filtration to jsut the 305 canister, getting rid of the internal. My PH did rise subsequent to this. I am just confused...I guess. I got rid of my clown loaches and was set to add Rams and Cardinals...lol. Now, I think I'lll just add a few endlers and gradually decrease the PH. I don't use any buffers or anything, don't even knwo hoe or why I'd do this....

 

[SuperColey1]

Must be something else in your tank. Normal quantities of ferts won't raise the Ph and CO2 will lower it no matter how inconsistent. I would suggest it is rock/substrate/wood or something else that is making the ph rise.

AC

 

[Rlon35]

Must be something else in your tank. Normal quantities of ferts won't raise the Ph and CO2 will lower it no matter how inconsistent. I would suggest it is rock/substrate/wood or something else that is making the ph rise.

AC

^^^^^^^^^^


You are ABSOLUTELY 100 PERCENT right....the LFS readings (8.0) were false. I ditched the strips and got a Mardel Live PH kit. It seemed akaline at first, after a couple hours, but I am finally able to determine a 6.8 PH, which was consistently suggested by the test strips that my LFS referred to as "so inaccurate". So, while I still am tentative about the Cardinal Tetras being introduced, I will proceed with the German Rams, as I have kept them in neutral PH before. I perform weekly 25 percent water changes to this planted tank, so I think they'l be fine. I'll try Cardinals after slowly introducing peat into the filtration, as I want to soften the water a little without drastically dropping the PH.

 

[SuperColey1]

Cardinals will be fine between 5 and 8, Rams from 6-8 with no problems. There is too much made of Ph limitations which lead too many people to interfere with their Ph via chemicals which makes things worse. Much more important is to make sure that whatever the Ph is that it is not fluctuating too much.

By too much I mean constantly varying by large margins. With CO2 your water may be 6 when CO2 is on and 7 when it is off and if this were harmful to fish we wouldn't be able to keep fish in a solenoid controlled planted setup!!!!

I have kept Cardinals in 7.5 before with no problems just as I have kept them in 6.2 with CO2 (I also had Bolivian Rams in there at the same time)

As long as your Ph is within the 6-8 range they can both go in there perfectly.

Don't worry so much.

AC