Ph Problem?

[postingalwaysposting]

Hi hope you can help again up untill this week my two tanks have been fine and running perfectly, but earlier this week i noticed one of my xray tetras missing, i search the tank and havent found him or his remains rip fishy. Anyway all was fine and today i did this weeks testing (before water changes) and these are my results:

tetra tank - 25 uk litres - 3 xray tetras and 8 neon tetras
ph = 7.6
nitrate = 10ppm
ammonia = 0ppm
nitrite = 0ppm

gordons tank - 25 uk litres (approx, could be more) - gordon 1 male guppy
ph = 7.6
nitrate = 20ppm
ammonia = 0ppm
nitrite = 0ppm

tap water ph = 6.8

do you know why my tanks ph are so high? are they safe to be that high? if they arnt how can i lower it? thanks in advance

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Before doing anything, retest your tap this way. Fill a glass or small pitcher from the tap. then put in an airstone and bubble for at least an hour and then test it. If you don't have an airstone and air pump, then let the water stand for at least 12 hours, longer would be better, and test it. Tap water can often contain disolved gasses which will effect the pH until they are out gassed.

If your tap is still reading 6.8 then I would look at what decor is in the tank and what type of substrate. Certain rocks and substrates will act to raise pH.

 

[WILDER]

Yes need to know if you have bogwood or anything in there, plus ph can alter due to a tank needing a good clean take a look here.
http/www.drhelm.com/aquarium/chemistry.html

 

[postingalwaysposting]

hi thanks for you responses, i will do the 12 hour thing tonight and report back, btw i use the bathroom water no kitchen as my tanks are upstairs in my tanks i have the following -

tetras tank -
1 plant pot
1 plastic plant in a plant pot
3 plastic plants

gordons tank -
1 castle ordanment
2 plastic plants
1 silk plant

 

[postingalwaysposting]

Before doing anything, retest your tap this way. Fill a glass or small pitcher from the tap. then put in an airstone and bubble for at least an hour and then test it. If you don't have an airstone and air pump, then let the water stand for at least 12 hours, longer would be better, and test it. Tap water can often contain disolved gasses which will effect the pH until they are out gassed.

If your tap is still reading 6.8 then I would look at what decor is in the tank and what type of substrate. Certain rocks and substrates will act to raise pH.

I put some water in a glass dish just after i posted the reply above and have just tested it now (over 24 hour have passed) and it is now reading 7.6 whats up?

 

[Qays]

My tap water pH is 8.5.

Dramatic pH changes can be harmful from what i've heard, but fish will otherweise adapt too a pH.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I have a similar situation because I use well water. Tested from the tap my pH is 6.4 because it is loaded with disolved CO2. Aerating it outgasses the co2 (which lowers pH) and it then rises to its "natural" pH of 7.4. This is likely your "problem".

I now use a water changing system that outgasses the co2 so i can basically go from tap to tank via holding containers.