Ph Levels

[stevencross]

Hi,

I am new to the game so would welcome some advice.

I have a 125ltr tank. I ran it for 2 weeks before introducing 5 zebra danios (as advised by local aquatic shop). The danios have been in the tank for approx 1 week.

Have been testing the water (with liquid testing kit) and the latest results are:

Ammonia - either 0 or 0.25 (colour was not easy to distinguish).
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 10
PH - 7.8

From what I have read so far, the PH level seems to be too high. What can I do to bring the PH down?

Would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[randalthor]

If you dont feed the fish as much, the PH will go down.

 

[stevencross]

Thanks for the quick response.

I'm feeding them a small pinch of food twicw a day. As soon as the food goes in the danios seem to eat it all up (in fact you would think they hadn't been fed in weeks - as soon as I lift the lid they are there waiting!!).

Is this too much? Do I need to cut down permanently or just long enough for the PH level to drop?

Do the other levels seem OK?

 

[@ombomb]

If you dont feed the fish as much, the PH will go down.

I'm sure there is some logic behind that statement.... I just have no idea what it is!

7.8 is absolutely fine.

Your fish are obviously acclimitised to it and changing the pH is very dangerous for your fish.

IMO the only time people should worry about the pH is specialist fish (i.e. Discus) / breeding / CO².

 

[randalthor]

Ack, sorry, I thought you were asking how to bring the amonia down...Im not sure about the ph.

Sorry....

 

[stevencross]

Thanks for the help @ombomb.

Much appreciated.

 

[The-Wolf]

first let me say that is nice to see a beginner giving ZDs thier much needed space.

ok it is better to have a stable pH than to have one that is continually fluctuating, so for now leave it alone.
you may find that when you tank has cycled and then matured the pH may drop to around 7.5.

do not be forced into buying pH altering chemicals, they are going to put you o a slippery slope that will end up in some kind of disaster.

If you do want to lower the pH the best/safest way is adding peat to your filter and adding bogwood/mopani wood to your tank. both will naturally lower the pH over a long period. this gives the fish a slower adjustment period and thus dosn't stress them out.

HTH