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Another question on fish...after more research on why my levels are so high

925 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  renk777, 
renk777
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I posted earlier about some questions regarding the hardness and high pH of my new tank. No replies yet and I really want to get it remedied so I thouht back to what has changed since I set it up back in late September? and introduced test fish with success. I wasn't happy with the driftwood layout back then and wanted to add more substrate (blasting grit) so I pulled out the fish, went back to the reservoir, found more wood which I had to cure, and added it to the tank along with a huge block of holy rock I fell in love with. And it's sat that way for months while I tried to sink the driftwood. It's still bouyant but I figured out a configuration (not the original one I planned but I like it well enough) that places two edges under the lip of the tank and holds it in place. I figure in time, it'll be saturated enought to keep that placement. Anyway, it dawned on me that the only real change to the setup is the rock. And although the salesman assured me that it wouldn't affect my pH when I bought it (my gut told me it would and that's why I questioned him), I can't help but think that hunk of white is the source of my pH trouble...and the hardness as well. I was hoping to have a tank with a few acaras, a couple gourami, a handful of swords and a school of emperor tetras...along with a few pictus for the fun factor. But I'm worried this degree of hardness is just too much. Probably not for the acara (?) but for the rest of the fish I was hoping for. Anyone keep any of these successfully with limestone in the mix? And if not, what can I replace the stone with that has a similar look? I paid almost $60 for that stone so I'm a bit upset....It's the only think I've spent money on outside of the lights, substrate, background and plants :(

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redavalanche
I would say it is a contributor to high ph. IMO. Looks like one I have that I used to keep in my salt tank.
Here is some fake ones that look pretty good. Universal Rocks - Holey Rocks Replicas
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renk777
Thank you! I'm considering other species but not totally sold on changing my plans! I might have to try one of these. ..then I get the look and fish that I want! :)
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frenziedpace
You can test rocks with vinegar or other acids to see if they contain carbonate minerals.
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renk777
I could...and if I see any odd swings while it sits there cycling, I might. But at this point, the idea of pulling it up yet again to dry and test...not loving the idea. Everything was fine until I added the rock...now my levels differ from my daughter's and our pond. All are supplied with the same water and have neutral or no sediment. All have live plants. It just seems logical that it's the rock and I've read a lot now saying that cichlid fans intentionally use them in their tanks to raise pH and hardness so that pretty much confirms it for me. I've now chosen fish based on a higher pH and hard water. THinking Acaras, Angels, Paradise Fish, syno cat...maybe some rainbows. Who knows. It's not what I had planned but that's okay. I'm happy enough. Currently at 7.9 so I'm doing small water changes with RO and testing daily until I can get the water just a little softer with a lower pH. I'l calculate the percentage of RO needed to reach that point and then I'm thinking I'll maintain that same percentage of RO water to tap water when I do my water changes going forward. I'll add a couple fish soon enough and see if the ammonia and nitrates or nitrites (whichever it is...still learning) bring it down just a bit more. I'd love for it to park in the mid 7s with a little less hardness. Though I'm in the lower range of GH for fish that prefer hard water anyway. Still, I read that ammonia has more impact on fish at higher pHs and since I'm a newb, I'd love to have the assurance that the pH is a bit lower so that there's a wee bit more room for error. Maybe that's crazy but I'd sleep a whole lot better at night not worrying! But if I opt to drain the tank by a third to replace with RO all in one shot...and to attach moss to my driftwood, I might just use that as my opportunity to test that rock. Thanks!
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lksdrinker
No need to test it (in fact, you basically did test it by placing it in your tank and watching the ph rise especially since you know other containers using the same source water have not changed). Holey rock, limestone, crushed coral, etc all raise ph and hardness. Thats why you often see that kind of rock in african cichlid tanks as they prefer slightly higher ph values.

That being said, just because your parameters dont perfectly match what someone else says is "needed" for a particular species doesn't necessarily mean instant death for that species. Plenty of people have success even though the book says they're doing it wrong!
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renk777
That's what I'm hanging my hat on ;) Took the rock out and did a 30% water change. No small feat considering my tank is up in the attic where I'm starting to put in an office. Had to lug more buckets than I cared to count. By the next morning, pH was down to 7.4 or 7.6 depending on which pH test I used. Water was still hard but down 2 degrees so in range. Found a NSLFS where the owner seemed to have a clue. It was a drive but I made it and now I have some fish! So far, they're doing well and I am so happy. Going to do another PWC next week and then wait another week to see if I'm ready for a few more fish. But it's starting to look like a tank. Thanks for the reply! :)
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