Ph Panic

[Fastblur]

I tested my tank so as to respond to another thread and thought I'd post the results here.
Using a 'Tetra test 5 in 1' I get
No3 25
No2 5
Gh 10d
Kh 3d
ph 6.4
I'm very worried about the ph as it was about 7.2 a few (4) days ago. The tank population is five tetras, one dwarf gourami. Tank size is 35L. Nothing has changed or been added to the tank for about two weeks.
ANy advice on what might have caused the crash and what to do?

 

[Bloo]

Are those the "paper strip" kind of tests ? They are very unreliable, often "bleed" giving false readings.
I wouldn't panic just yet until you can verify your results. Perhaps get a liquid test instead - such as the master kit from API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals).

 

[Fastblur]

It is a paper strip type thing, but I did try another, only dipping in the ph bit (which fortunately is at the bottom) and got the same result.
The fish don't seem to be acting oddly (yet) and are happily taking food and eating my plants.

 

[Bloo]

How long have you had this kit ? How long has it been open ? Is it still within it's expiry date ?

 

[Fastblur]

About four-five weeks. It's a bit overstocked in #of fish but is apparently alright in inches of fish. It's a Biube tank if that helps.

 

[Bloo]

Unless your fish are all under 1", there's no possibly way that you could be overstocked in # of fish but not inches of fish.

 

[Fastblur]

The tetras are about .5" , but the Gourami is about 2 1/2" so ok I am overstocked.
I phoned my LFS and he recommended buying (it's always buying) some 'shells' which will slowly reduce the Ph.
It's a bit of a trek but I'll be out there tomorrow.

 

[jarmado]

The tetras are about .5" , but the Gourami is about 2 1/2" so ok I am overstocked.
I phoned my LFS and he recommended buying (it's always buying) some 'shells' which will slowly reduce the Ph.
It's a bit of a trek but I'll be out there tomorrow.

overstocking might have caused your non-zero reading on nitrite.
should you be more concerned on the nitrite?

 

[Bloo]

Why would you want to reduce the pH any further ? I still strongly suggest you get a liquid test kit set and one that you can rely on reading

Oh and don't forget to do water changes to reduce the nitrite and eventually bring it down to zero - which should be zero at all times.

Do you know what your ammonia reading is ?

 

[Fastblur]

Why would you want to reduce the pH any further ? I still strongly suggest you get a liquid test kit set and one that you can rely on reading

Oh and don't forget to do water changes to reduce the nitrite and eventually bring it down to zero - which should be zero at all times.

Do you know what your ammonia reading is ?

I don't know my ammonia. I'll be taking a sample of water along tomorrow. I erm, well I meant increase the ph.
I'll be doing more frequent small changes of water as well.