Emergency

[Fishguy1111]

So, im having a problem with my 40 gal B. Yesterday i found one platy dead, after a waterchange, which i beleive lowered my pH a whole 1 point. The fish are acting sluggish, barely moving. im afraid that more may die.
Stock:
3x platys
1x angel
1x three-spot gourami
1x BN pleco


p.s. my new ph is 6.6, down from 7.4

 

[Fishguy1111]

I just replaced my 2 filter cartridges, if that helps.

 

[Mama Karoti]

What are your other water parameters?

 

[Brookster123]

I just replaced my 2 filter cartridges, if that helps.

That's where the majority of your beneficial bacteria is stored, if you're going to change them at least stagger by a week.. you most likely started a mini cycle just test your water and change accordingly until it levels back out.. what kind of filters you run?

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[Fishguy1111]

My levels are all 0, except nitrate which is 2. I us the marineland penguin 350. I dont think i restarted the cycle cause most of the bacteria is on the 2 bio-wheels.

 

[Delapool]

Have you checked what the tap(?) ph is? Just check straight away and let stand for 24 hrs to degas, etc and get true ph.

Mostly tanks tend to a lower ph from tap so curious what is going on with yours. Would you have kh readings?


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[enrgizerbunny]

Best I can say is wait it out, they will either adjust or expire. Trying to correct the swing now will only cause more stress.
Test the tank pH tomorrow and see where you're at. You can go from there with a test straight from the tap, then put some in a bucket and aerate or just a cup that has been sitting for 24 hours. If you have a significant change then you will need to aerate your water before changing in order to avoid large swings.

You can also use baking soda to raise the pH slowly in the tank by adding 1tsp at a time that is dissolved in a cup of water and then waiting a few minutes to test and then wait to allow the fish to adjust. If there's one thing fish aren't fond of it is sudden changes in pH.

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[Delapool]

Hoping to hear back from the OP on this. Interested as well if the water had changed much or most of it was just a ph difference (ph shock).


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[Fishguy1111]

A few months ago my tap ph was 7.4, but I'll test it again to see if its changed.

 

[Fishguy1111]

I don't have kh tests.

 

[Delapool]

A few months ago my tap ph was 7.4, but I'll test it again to see if its changed.

No worries on kh then - just hopeful

How did tank ph get down to 6.6 I think it was do you think?


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[Fishguy1111]

I'm assuming that my town water ph changed... but i really dont know.

 

[Fishinfreak]

Just wondering, what are you testing with? Test strips or a liquid test kit

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[Fishguy1111]

I use the API master kit, so liquid.

 

[Fishinfreak]

K, just wanted to make sure you were getting a reading that should be accurate

 

[enrgizerbunny]

Have you re tested your tap water? What is your water change schedule like?

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