Good 8+ ph tropical fish

**Shadowisper** · 10-17-2009, 07:18 PM

Hi guys, I've been keeping fish for about a year now and have been doing regular water changes. My water changes are quite labouring as my tap water is 8+ph. To get an equal balance (7ish) I mix my tap water 50/50 with distilled water. It works, but what a pain in the you know where. I am done with this and just want to do tap water.

Could you guys suggest to me any tropical fish that thrive in higher ph waters? That would be great.

**Lab_Rat** · 10-17-2009, 07:20 PM

What size tank? The rainbowfish do well in harder, more alkaline water, as do most livebearers. Shell dwellers also need higher pH water so would be great for a small tank. If you have a larger tank then the rift lake cichlids would be a good bet.

**dmagerl** · 10-17-2009, 08:50 PM

I've got cories, angelfish, gouramis, zebras, bristlenose, otos, snails, all in softened well water with a ph of 9.

Basically, if you get your fish from an LFS that gets its water from the same source you do, I wouldnt worry about it. The fish are acclimated to it already.

**Shadowisper** · 10-17-2009, 08:56 PM

50 gallon tank. And My water comes from a different water source than most of the town. But I guess acclimitization and consistency is most important. I'm still open for more suggestions though

**Sarkazmo** · 10-17-2009, 09:09 PM

You could distill your own water, it's not difficult to make and use a still.

You could get a Reverse Osmosis water filter.

You could use a water softening pillow (API makes 'em)

You could add a sachet of peat moss to your filter to lower PH but it will leach tannins so you'll need to use activated carbon to remove the tannins if you don't like the black water look.

You could use the various products that reduce PH...

Rainbows love hard alkaline water... most African Cichlids like hard high PH waters...

Thanks all I can think of right now... Anyone else?

Sark

**Amazon** · 10-17-2009, 10:08 PM

to tell you the truth I dont even bother messing with ph, it isnt super important. As long as your not way above 8.2, or way below I wouldnt even bother with it. i think its only really important with saltwater.

All my fish seem to be doing fine.