Ph levels and different species

[vincebeach]

I have been having a little trouble keeping my mixed freshwater tank inhabitants all happy. I added a peacock eel last week who died in just over a day. He ( or she ) was the first fish I have lost since this 29 gallon tank was set up almost a year ago. I normally was doing one third water changes along with general tank cleaning every three or so weeks. After the eel died I tested the water and the Ph was very high in the acidic range. I did a one third water change , filter and charcoal change and added a water neutralizer reccomended by by local pet supplier. I added the neutralizer only one half of the amount instructed on two consecutive days in order to reduce the shock. Now the Ph is neutral and everyone seems to be doing fine with the exception of my Paradise fish. He seems a little listless and does not seem to be very interested in eating. He does eat a few bites, but not like usual. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions ? Thanks, Vince

 

[Tolak]

I see a couple things that could be the problem. Additive to change your ph are bad news, they will cause ph swings in all but the softest water. This kills fish faster than anything. Most fish will acclimate to a ph range between 6 and 8. If your water is more acidic or alkaline than that, and you are determined to change the ph do it the right way, get a ro unit.

If you changed the charcoal AND the filter media, your tank is recycling. You should change half the media at a time, and float the old media in the tank for a week to help transfer the nitrobacters. Do some water tests & post the results.

I would be doing water changes more often. 25% weekly may help. Also, what procedure did you use to introduce the eel to your tank?

Tolak

 

[vincebeach]

Thanks for the reply Tolak, you have given some things to check. I also just noticed a different post mentioning that hard water will have a higher Ph than softer water, I am not sure if my water is hard or soft but I will check into it. I also see that Ph altering chemicals probably do more harm than good and it it better to adjust the Ph naturally.Your facts about floating the old filter media for a week to keep the good bacteria also seems to be a sound idea. Someone also mentioned using distilled water if your tap water is hard.When I acclimated my peacock eel I did so over about a one hour period of floating and every ten minutes or so adding about one cup of tank water into the floating bag. I am going to keep a check on my Ph over the next day or so before I replace the peacock. I like having some different looking fish in my tank I have a nice variety now.

 

[sinistral]

I'd definitely recommend checking out this link on mastacembelids. I learned quite a bit about the peacock eel from this page. You might find something that pertains to the death of your fish, particularly in regards to buying healthy specimens and acclimation. HTH~

 

[vincebeach]

Thanks Sinistral, The link that you sent me is a great site. Lots of information on freshwater eels in general including the peacock. My water is looking very stable now, my paradise fish is still doing OK and I am going to replace the peacocl eel tomorrow. I added some habitat for him today, a little rock reef with places to hide.