merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
well I am having a problem with my tank. I hadnt cleaned it in a few months. then I finally had to clean it as the ph was less than 6 eek!
so I did a water change after 2 expensive fish died.
then my favorite fish a new blood parrot was acting distressed, so I checked the ph is still low,so I got it up to about 7.5 then today back down to 6.i had added more ph up so added it and got it to a 7 ph.
so my question is why is my ph not maintaining?
I went through a whole bottle of ph up in 24 hours!the only thing is I did buy a whole new filter.
I have a $35 fish I dont want to lose.
thanks for the help
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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I have had a tank for years but I'm certainly no expert.
I suspect your town/well water would probably be to blame for the ph being off. When I had town water in my other house, the ph was always off. I had to do as you are with the constant measuring and adjusting.
Also, you're never supposed to do a complete water change. Never.
Waiting a few months between cleanings is a big no no as well.
Depending on your tank size, you should be doing at the very least, monthly cleanings, sometimes bi-weekly if it is a smaller tank. Also make sure to vacuum the bottom when you do the cleanings. All that gunk down in the rocks can affect ph.
Only remove about 1/4 of the water and never change out all of the filters(carbon, ammo-rid, foam insert...etc). Only one or two at most at a time. You want to leave some of the beneficial organisms in there.
You could also talk to the people at the pet supply store and ask for some advice if all of the above methods aren't working. And be sure to be going to and getting your fish from a reputable pet store. Some of them are horrible and mistreat and sell sick animals/fish.
Good luck!
I'm getting ready to set up my 50 gallon tank for my two fish. Then I think I'll get more. When we moved here to our new home three years ago, I downsized to a 20 gallon but I think my fish would be happier in a bigger tank.
It's just such a project...ugh.
Posts: 423 | From Upstate NY | Registered: May 2009
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
thanks for your help!
I finally fixed after just about losing my fav fish. He is on his last "leg" I finally made a risky decision. I took all the water out of the tank and started over. it has worked with some help of the ph up med.
I figured all the fish were going to die anyway so it was wortha shot. it worked so far. if the ph is good tom orrow I will be so happy.
melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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MDW005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22706
posted
Is your fish thriving still. I have a 55 gallon
tank.I usually empty half the tank and add fresh water with Proper ph 7.0. I love my fish,and hope you saved yours.
-------------------- God's promises mean you always have something wonderful to look forward to. Posts: 2150 | From Georgia | Registered: Oct 2009
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
my favorite fish died my blood parrot
but all else lived. what kind of fish do you have?
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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MDW005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22706
posted
Kissing fish, wood eel, angel fish, several others but can't think of the name of them. My Tank is semi-aggresive.
Im sorry about your blood pariot. Very pretty fish. Aggresive fish correct?
-------------------- God's promises mean you always have something wonderful to look forward to. Posts: 2150 | From Georgia | Registered: Oct 2009
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
I also have angel fish , pretty large.
blood parrots are supposed to be semi aggressive but this one wasnt. he was so cool!!
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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my blood parrot
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