Yay tests completed

**S13DWS** · 06-17-2007, 04:47 AM

So I found a shop with a Master Test Kit which had all tests from pH High pH Nitrate Nitrite and Ammonia.

My first time testing my tank and my results found that the only thing wrong (from what I read in the booklet) is that my pH isnt high enough, falling in at 7.4 or lower. pH up should fix my problem i think.

Now i need a bigger tank and better filter:P

**gm72** · 06-17-2007, 06:13 AM

Actually you don't need any chemicals. Stability of pH is far more critical than is having a "perfect" 7.0. Add unnecessary chemicals and add unnecessary problems to your tank.

**Drumachine09** · 06-17-2007, 06:17 AM

Originally Posted by gm72

Actually you don't need any chemicals. Stability of pH is far more critical than is having a "perfect" 7.0. Add unnecessary chemicals and add unnecessary problems to your tank.

True that. With proper acclimation, many fish can be placed in slightly higher or lower pHs than is ideal. Of course, they wont thrive without the ideal pH, but they can still be great fish.

**S13DWS** · 06-17-2007, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by Drumachine09

True that. With proper acclimation, many fish can be placed in slightly higher or lower pHs than is ideal. Of course, they wont thrive without the ideal pH, but they can still be great fish.

Yes but as stated in the booklet i got with the test kit and also HERE which is from this website, it tells me that the best pH for them is 8.2(booklet) and as written in the link they do best in 7.5-8.5

Id much rather have it set up to the absolute best for the fish rather than a little low:-)

**Lady Hobbs** · 06-17-2007, 10:01 AM

Are you talking about cichlids that need the higher pH? If so, adding some shells will bring the pH up naturally or even a pinch of baking soda. If you feel the chemicals are needed, stick with the Proper Ph 8 or 8.5 which will remove the guess work involved with pH adjustment.

**S13DWS** · 06-17-2007, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

Are you talking about cichlids that need the higher pH? If so, adding some shells will bring the pH up naturally or even a pinch of baking soda. If you feel the chemicals are needed, stick with the Proper Ph 8 or 8.5 which will remove the guess work involved with pH adjustment.

I would rather try to bring the pH up naturally. What sort of shells would i use and where would i get them from?
Would ordinary shells i find on the beach be ok if i clean them first? as they are obviously out of salt water.

Also just want to add in here that i done these tests after about 2-3 hours of a water change of about 50-70% would this have effected my results?