Ph Levels

[pieman]

I did a pH test today for my tank (54litre) and the results came up as 8.0, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to buy these packs from pets at home which change the pH level, i was looking at this neon tetra pack which changes the level to 6.5, now assuming that the people at pets at home dont know the first thing about fish due to all the dead fish in the tanks, i thought it would be best to ask you guys whether or not you would recommend me using one of these packs.

 

[teaker1s]

for external filters you can buy either water softener pillow which can be recharged in salt water
www.aquariumpharm.com

or fluval(hagen) do a peat water sofener in a bag to put in filter basket.

I'd try the first one as its more gentle way to start

 

[pieman]

Sorry, I dont have an external filter or salt water tank

 

[dwarfgourami]

Most fish can cope perfectly happily with a ph of 8. 8.4 is not uncommon in the south of England and a lot of people still manage to keep thriving communities. I'd say the only commonly sold fish that really aren't good with a high ph are rams, discus, and possibly neons. Livebearers (like guppies, platies and mollies) actually prefer it that way.

The risk is if you try to change it that you end up with a fluctuating ph, which is much more dangerous for fish.

What you can do is to add a little bit of bogwood to your tank. This will bring your ph down a little bit, but gently and safely.

 

[pieman]

Most fish can cope perfectly happily with a ph of 8. 8.4 is not uncommon in the south of England and a lot of people still manage to keep thriving communities. I'd say the only commonly sold fish that really aren't good with a high ph are rams, discus, and possibly neons. Livebearers (like guppies, platies and mollies) actually prefer it that way.

The risk is if you try to change it that you end up with a fluctuating ph, which is much more dangerous for fish.

What you can do is to add a little bit of bogwood to your tank. This will bring your ph down a little bit, but gently and safely.

Thanks

I'm getting a plant for my tank in the next week as it helps the nitrate levels, would this have any effect?

 

[teaker1s]

the water softerner pillow is for 'fresh water aquariums' and you 'recharge' it in salt water then use it again

 

[cujoho78]

The risk is if you try to change it that you end up with a fluctuating ph, which is much more dangerous for fish.

Hi. I agree with dwarfgourami on this one. The pH swings will be harder on your fish than a constant pH of 8. If your fish are healthy and happy then i wouldn't worry about your pH at all. Mine is high also and my fish are fine.