Testing Kit Virgin
 

Hi there

I just purchased the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. I'm gutted to see that it doesn't test water hardness so I guess I have to go back to the store but wanted to check out the results.

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0

Great results right?

But i'm not sure if I should test pH or hight range pH so I did both. Which one should I be interested in or both?
pH 7.6
High range pH 8.0

I set up my tank 5 weeks ago with 2 guppies (doing great) and added 4 oto cats 3 days ago (looking good but don't seem to be eating much of the algae wafer or shrimp pellets that I put in at night).

Any comments?

Very good results.

If you're not showing nitrates it's possible your tank isn't cycled.

You need to go with the high pH results. The regular pH will only color up as high as it will go, so 8 is your number.

Don't you just love playing scientist? Sadly my kids grew out of it already.

Thanks for the help. I tested my tap water and my high pH came out at 7.4, and 7.6 for pH. Is it the items in my tank which are making the pH higher and should I be concerned?

As for the 0 nitrate, I guess i'll just have to wait until it rises and keep checking every day.

Based on those, I'm guessing you're right about 7.5. :) There's nothing wrong with that pH unless you're trying to keep fish who are in definate need of acid water. It's recommended not to fight it. Most fish will adapt if acclimated.

I think I misread your first post a bit--I was thinking one result was 7.6 and the other was 8, which is why I said go with the 8.