Stressed about tank

Jill90

The pH out of my tap water is 6.4 so I have no clue why its so much higher in my aquarium. Unless the conditioning I added was not the right amount? This is all new to me so I don't really know how it works. And I was confused why they told me that as well because I am looking at dalmation mollies which need a higher pH than 6. They told me to use the chemicals to change the pH to what I need and made everything really complicated. I really wanted to get fish today but since I have to return the tank and put new water in it (unless I save the old water) it doesnt look like I will be able to until later.

edit: Thanks brownmane that was helpful!

KendraMc

don't use chemicals. get fish suited to your water's natural pH. it just works better.

there are natural ways of adjusting pH, but only by small amounts.

and as for the difference between tap and tank water, did you let the tap water sit out for a while before testing it? fresh from the tap it can have gases trapped in it that affect the pH and then dissipate over time (i don't remember if it raises or lower the pH). try letting some site for 24 hours (i think that is what people recommend then try again.

k19smith

I would not add any chemicals to change your ph. If it were me I would dump the water and start over. The only thing really recommended to add is conditioner which you need so you don't kill your fish with toxic metals. What can of substrate do you have? gravel/sand etc? Any decorations? What did you add to your water?

k19smith

Also you need to add fish slowly, have you read about cycling a tank?

If you try adjusting your ph, every time you do a water change at least once a week you will have to make sure your water matches or you will risk killing your fish, it's a lot of trouble and in most peoples opinion not worth it.

brownmane

Not to overwhelm you with too many questions, but what did you check your pH with? If it was with a pH strip, the strip can be very inaccurate as well as outdated. Most of the people here use the API test kit that mixes with samples of your aquarium water.

Also you'll want to cycle your aquarium which can take 4-6 weeks minimum so that everything is ready for your fish. Don't know why fish store is telling you what and when you can buy fish. The best choice as many have stated here is get the fish that survive with your water type.

Jill90

I have read about cycling and they said to start with a few hardy fish in the tank to help with the cycling. I have gravel and fake plants in the tank which I washed out thoroughly. I am not sure if I added the right about of conditioning. It said to add 5ml for every 50 gallons. So I added a little under 5ml since I have 36. I didnt really get it. But then another water conditioning I have said 5ml for every 10 gallons. Not sure which would be better. Alot more with one or less with the other.

And I did use the API test kit, which turns dark blue.

KendraMc

there are lots of different opinions on cycling, there are ways to do it without any fish, and since fish are rather likely to die during cycling, a lot of people prefer this method.

brownmane

Different water conditioners have different measurements. That's all. So the one that says 5 mL per 50 gal would be 1 mL for 10 gal or 3.6 mL for your 36 gal. Again people have their preferences for what water conditioners they use.

k19smith

You did fine with the conditioner different brands require different amounts. Sounds like you are on the right track you may just have a higher ph. I'd be happy to have 7.6. You will kill yourself trying to get that to 6, maybe go to the store and talk with someone else or buy fish somewhere else that is ridiculous.

Jill90

Yeah I'll probably leave the pH as it is. The only thing im worried about it if its much higher than 7.6 since the API kit only reads up to that. I may go buy a different one, but hopefully the fish I want to buy will be ok.