pH is always 7.6 on API test kit

amazon21

It's around 7.4 out of the tap. I never thought fish could get used to a pH like that..... maybe i should find a local breeder?

amazon21

Kym, i saw some congo tetra's in your 75 gallon tank pics. Do you keep those in hard water too?

aunt kymmie

Wow, really?? I love GBR, but was too afraid to even think about keeping them. They go so well with Discus! Hummmm....your giving me some new ideas, Mikaila!

aunt kymmie

A local breeder? Why not, it's what I did!
Yes, I do keep Congos in my "hard" water. All my tanks are heavily planted with lots of driftwood, so I think that helps lesson the hardness of my tap water.

Jakiebabie

Hi all, just wanted to chime in here that mine is always at 8.2, I do nothing to fix it and everyone is happy. My list of fish is in my profile and kept up to date. I buy locally and give the bag many, many drinks of tank water before release to aclimate them. At 7.4, I would not worry about it!
More importantly, at three weeks new, where are your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate numbers sitting in this new tank?

Volt

So I am sure the fish will adapt themselves to it. I really want to get a sun catfish (this) but I've learned that they grow up to 12" which I can't possibly keep in a 10 GL tank. So I will go to the local pet shop tomorrow and get whatever I can.

Jakiebabie

If you buy fish tomorrow just be aware that this has only been 3 - 4 weeks and a cycle can take over 6 weeks. I'm going to ask again do you know your other numbers? Those have to be stable or when you bring new fish home you run the risk of them potentially struggling and you could lose them. Take it slow!!

Volt

My ammonia level is between 0 and 0.5.

Edit: I am using the API branded test kit that goes from 0 to 8.

Jakiebabie

Hi Volt. If your ammonia levels are as much as .5 definately don't put anything in there yet. If you do have fish in there do a water change immediately. Probably as much as 50% as this is like acid to them and you should be seeing clamped fins. Fish are often lost at this level. You are striving for zero.
What are your nitrIte levels? This is equally toxic to your fish. You are striving for zero here too.
Once the ammonia and nitrItes are converted by the good bacteria you should see a nitrAte reading of 40 or less according to my API booklet. You have not mentioned either of these.
Are you using the bottles or test strips? Let us know what your other numbers are.

Volt

I'm using the API bottle test kit which (apparently) tests for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. I see no way to tell the difference, because there is only 1 color chart.

I do not have fish yet. I suppose I will have to keep waiting, with 20% water changes daily.