Phosphate Question

Byron

OK, dealing with the pH as you request.

It should not be fluctuating in the tank to this extent (7 to 7.6). Once a tank is biologically established, and with regular maintenance (and/or plants), the pH should be stable aside from the couple of decimal points in the diurnal fluctuation. Depending upon the hardness it may slowly lower over time. Do you know the GH and KH of your tap water? The water supply folks can tell you this, they may even have a website with a list of what's in the water (mineral and such) and hardness is likely to be mentioned.

Are you testing the pH at the same time (roughly) each day you test it? You should, in order to see any pattern/changes.

Earlier you mentioned using the pH regulator [h'm, interesting name for this stuff] if the tank pH was "low" to bring it to 7. With the tap water at 7.6, is the tank pH dropping below 7? Regular partial water changes are intended to remove "crud" which no filter can, and also to maintain water stability. However, one has to be careful if significant parameter changes result.

Fluctuating pH is stressful on fish, to varying degrees on different fish. The fish must adjust the pH of its blood to equal the environment. Having to keep doing this is stressful, which is why so many of us caution that a steady pH that may be slightly outside the fish's preferred range is better than one that keeps fluctuating. I understand that a difference of a couple decimal points is not likely to be dangerous in itself, but it is the frequent or regular fluctuation up and down that will take its toll.

This hobby is about science, and you can't (nor should you try) to escape that. We are dealing with living creatures in a living environment--and a very un-natural one for the creatures. None of these fish evolved in a closed system comparable to even the largest aquarium. We must be careful what we do to this system, as a seemingly insignificant change can have serious consequences.

As for the behaviour changes, in my view the fish are beginning to act according to their environment. I can't see mention of the tank size, nor of the number of fish (may have missed it, sorry if I did), but there are some issues to be aware of with these fish. Clown loaches need a group of five or more, they have a social structure and are highly social. Aggression frequently occurs with less than 5, or in too small a tank. Angels and silver dollars I do not see as compatible fish. And you have evidence of this now. I would be less inclined to attribute this to a change in feeding and more to the natural inherent instincts and behaviours of the various fish becoming more obvious.

Byron.

FishMad

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone (especially Byron) for your thoughts. I really appreciate hearing the ideas and experiences of others.

Now, Byron you state that keeping fish is all about science. I agree to a point, it is most certainly NOT an exact science therefore allowing for many variables.

I am satified with the research I have undertaken to get the right balance for my tank. Having this tank only for the past 6 months has seen mistakes made and lessons learnt the hard way. This is all part of having fish as far as I am concerned. I have had no fatalities throughout this settling in period so, I must be doing most things right.

The PH variances have not been recent. That was more in the very beginning when the Nitrite/Nitrate/Ammonia factors were still establishing. For the past 3 months (I have been keeping detailed diary notes including everything from water changes, chemicals added and why, when new fish have been added etc etc) my PH has been stable at 7.0 - 7.2 which, has not caused any obvious issues.

I have had issues with the Nitrite and Nitrate however, that is all under control now. As for the high Phosphate reading, it is my understanding from further research that this is not really a huge issue in fresh water tanks. It may contribute to high reproduction of algae however, this has not been identified in my tank.

Thank you once again to all who have helped me to get a better understanding, I really appreciate you each taking the time to respond to my questions and concerns.

Just for interest sake Byron, here are the details of my tank:

5ft x 2ft x 2ft
Substrrate - River sand
x2 large driftwood with Anubias
x3 Silver Dollars (palm size)
x5 Clown Loaches (3 - 7cm, 2 - 10cm)
x4 Corydoras (fully grown)
x1 GNF (approx 7cm)
x1 Royal Whiptail (mature male)
x1 Long Finned Bristlenose (10cm)
x4 Kuhli Loaches (5cm)
x2 Angels (medium size)
x10 Zebra Danios (juveniles)
x10 Black Tetras (mid size)

x2Large bunch of Alodea
Java Fern

Filter is Eheim Classic 600

Water changes, 25% weekly. 50% once per month

Filter Clean, once per month