I'm not particularly worried about this and wouldn't consider it a "problem", but I am curious as to what occurred (or is occurring) to cause this change in pH.
First, some background: 43g tank (actual water content), Flourite sand substrate, moderately planted (8 or so Echinodorus sp., a small bunch of H. leucocephyala, lots of anacharis, 2 anubias), 3 pieces of driftwood: 2 mopani and 1 Malaysian (two were new 2 months ago), and 11 corydoras catfish. DIY carbon dioxide, HOB filter (keep water level high to minimize CO2 evaporation), temp 80 degrees. Currently use Flourish as only plant fertilizer, dose 2x/week; I do 40-50% water changes every 1-2 wks. Tank has been running for about 2 months.
Ok. So, for the first 6 weeks or so, my levels were as follows:
pH: 6.4-6.6 (A.M.), 6.8-7.0 (P.M.)
NH3, NO2: 0
NO3: 5ppm
gH: 2, kH: 1-2
So I dosed baking soda at each water change to raise the kH up to 3 because I was afraid of rapid pH swings. When the kH was stable at 3, it was rare to see a pH lower than 6.6. When the kH was 1, pH was a little too unstable for my liking; in the A.M. it measured under 6.4 once.
Now, for the last 2-3 weeks, my pH and hardness levels have been considerably different (all other levels same).
pH: 7.4-7.6
gH & kH: 3 (without dosing any baking soda after water changes).
Like I said, I'm not really worried about it. The fish seem fine and act normally. It's just odd to me. For 6 weeks I had to raise my extremely soft water to stabilize the pH and now I've got pH around 7.4 in the A.M. before the lights are on?! It used to regularly be 6.4-6.6 in the morning and 7.0 in the evening.
So, what's going on? Does this have something to do with my tank or is it my city's water supply that's changed? Unfortunately, I don't think I ever tested the hardness of the water right out of the tap (until yesterday, when both were 3).
I'm puzzled. And I must admit I miss my soft, slightly acidic water. It was nice. But, again, I won't mess with it...I would just love to hear anyone's opinion on what may have caused the sudden change.
Thanks!
First, some background: 43g tank (actual water content), Flourite sand substrate, moderately planted (8 or so Echinodorus sp., a small bunch of H. leucocephyala, lots of anacharis, 2 anubias), 3 pieces of driftwood: 2 mopani and 1 Malaysian (two were new 2 months ago), and 11 corydoras catfish. DIY carbon dioxide, HOB filter (keep water level high to minimize CO2 evaporation), temp 80 degrees. Currently use Flourish as only plant fertilizer, dose 2x/week; I do 40-50% water changes every 1-2 wks. Tank has been running for about 2 months.
Ok. So, for the first 6 weeks or so, my levels were as follows:
pH: 6.4-6.6 (A.M.), 6.8-7.0 (P.M.)
NH3, NO2: 0
NO3: 5ppm
gH: 2, kH: 1-2
So I dosed baking soda at each water change to raise the kH up to 3 because I was afraid of rapid pH swings. When the kH was stable at 3, it was rare to see a pH lower than 6.6. When the kH was 1, pH was a little too unstable for my liking; in the A.M. it measured under 6.4 once.
Now, for the last 2-3 weeks, my pH and hardness levels have been considerably different (all other levels same).
pH: 7.4-7.6
gH & kH: 3 (without dosing any baking soda after water changes).
Like I said, I'm not really worried about it. The fish seem fine and act normally. It's just odd to me. For 6 weeks I had to raise my extremely soft water to stabilize the pH and now I've got pH around 7.4 in the A.M. before the lights are on?! It used to regularly be 6.4-6.6 in the morning and 7.0 in the evening.
So, what's going on? Does this have something to do with my tank or is it my city's water supply that's changed? Unfortunately, I don't think I ever tested the hardness of the water right out of the tap (until yesterday, when both were 3).
I'm puzzled. And I must admit I miss my soft, slightly acidic water. It was nice. But, again, I won't mess with it...I would just love to hear anyone's opinion on what may have caused the sudden change.
Thanks!