Test Results. Ph Low? Nitrates High?

[FishFanatic04]

Something is telling me that I already have the answer the my main question but, adding EI ferts can make your Nitrate test result look high right?

Also my ph was at 8.0 stable, but after adding wood, and pressurized co2 it is closer to 7.0. Thats nice for my fish, however every time I do a 50% water change each week It will be raising the ph halfway back up to 8. This doesn't sound good for my fish. I also don't think its a good idea for multiple water changes since I AM dosing EI ferts.

I don't know what to do.

 

[OldMan47]

EI dosing adds tons of nitrates. It doesn't so much affect the test as it actually raises the nitrates. That is why you must do the weekly reset water changes. It keeps the nitrates from getting way too high.

 

[FishFanatic04]

That's what I thought. I have had a lot of changes on my tests this week because of the ferts and co2. Any opinion on the ph? I guess there's nothing I can do about it though. I am getting paranoid because my 46g is having so many issues. I wish I had known to fishless cycle it.

 

[FishFanatic04]

I just read the thread from your signature about Ph and I think it will be ok. I have a good schedule for water changes, I am so organized and OCD, no worries on missing one. It will hopefully be no different then a rain storm bringing in new water, its from the same source and the ph is only changed because of the wood and co2. From what I read, that doesn't change the water hardness, etc. Hope I am on the right track. It's overwhelming trying to learn so much information, to really care for these fish properly.