glass rocks/marbles

Lupin

Ok, so rather than saying "not important", pH is the "least important". KH and GH will easily influence the pH. If your KH is below 3, then chances are adding CO2 or anything to soften the water will lead to pH crash which can harm or kill your fish.
Raising KH is by means of sodium bicarbonate, oyster shell filtration, etc. Lowering it is through peat although RO water and other means can be used.

Oceane

I love your rock formation 8) If you are keen on the marble why not use black gravel a only a few of the marble pieces?

girlofgod

well, my water has really high ph and alkalinity, but its also testing very soft. i havent tested for ammonia, i couldnt find a kit, but my nitrates/nitrites are testing at 0.

i also couldnt find a kit to test kh. will the lfs test this?

bri

Nick

If your nitrite is at 0, than your ammonia is at 0 most likely. But, I see your nitrate is @ 0 too. That means you are in about stage 2 of cycling. The bacteria has killed off the nitrite and the ammonia, but hasnt turned into nitrate yet. I would keep a close eye on your fish and watch for 'fishy' behavior...I wouldnt be surprised if you lose a couple fish. also keep doing daily testing and posting your results if you would like any help. Hope everything works out :)

Nick

girlofgod

well...i took my water in and had it tested today, and was told that my levels are all ok, that my ph is somewhere between 7.2 and 7.4 and my alkalinity is 180, and testing 0 for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. apparently the test strips i have dont work because i get the same reading everytime i use them...so irritating...im glad i wasted 10 dollars on them....*sighs*

bri

Nick

If there the common strips that you have to wait 60 seconds and than check them on the bottle. I'm doubting you wasted your money because the water results just probably didnt change. And it seems like you are in stage 2 of the cycling like I said before. Keep a close eye :D

Nick

girlofgod

well howcome the petsmart gives me different readings than the ones that i get at home?

Nick

Hmmm that is weird than. I would recommend get the Master test kit which tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and gH or kH. Test for most of the main things you need. And its accurate when done the correct way...

Lupin

Don't let the lfs get away with comments like "They's fine". Insist to them to post the exact figures. With zero nitrates though, you may consider adding potassium nitrates but keep an eye on it to make sure you're not adding too much. Zero nitrates may increase the chances of blue-green algae(BGA) which is toxic to the fish when eaten as far as I know.:)

girlofgod

can yall take a look at my "cycling" thread and answer some q's i have on that topic? thanks!

bri