Ph Levels

[rdd1952]

OK, I wondered about that. The guy at the fish shop said that API Stress Zyme would do that because it has water conditioners in it. I read the bottle and it said nothing about removing chlorine, so I used some more Aqua Safe tonight when changing the water. I feel so sorry for my poor fish

It's actually Stress Coat that is a dechlorinator. I have never used anything else. Stress Zyme is the bacteria in a bottle product which in my opinion is useless.

As for feeding, fish can easily go a week without food. I am leaving Wednesday for 6 days and probably won't have anyone come by to feed mine unless my son wants to do it. He has 2 tanks and has fed them for me before. Even if he does, it will probably only be once or twice.

Ammonia can have an effect on cycling but it usually seems to lower the pH rather than raise it as oxygen is required to break down tha ammonia and low oxygen usually means lower pH.

 

[Lorna]

Thanx for the suggestion I will look for that product. I tested the PH today after doing a 20% H2O change last night and once again it has risen to 8.0 from 7.4. The ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels have slightly lowered since the H2O change. I am sure it can't be the ornaments because they appear to be made out of plastic/resin type material do you have any info on materials used that should be avoided? Thnx

 

[rdd1952]

There's definitely something in the tank that's raising the pH then. Normally, pH will drop slightly from the tap pH. If the ornaments said they were safe for aquariums, they should be ok but there has to be something in there that is a problem. You might want to try the vinegar test on them. It they are made out of some type plaster, they could have lime in them that is causing the problem.

 

[Lorna]

Did another H2O change nitrate, nitrite and ammonia levels seem even better now because of it. I haven't fed them now for 2 days. I vinegar tested the pebbles, plastics plants and ornaments they had no response to the vinegar. I will have to keep an eye on it and hope that it is the do with cycling the tank. I don't think it would have anything to do with the filter, I've left that alone. On a postitive note the clown loaches are back to their vibrant colours again and I've seen 2 swimming around. Thnx for all the advice everybody, I'm sure though I will still have more questions to ask eventually!! Lorna